Adjustable Golf Club and System and Associated Golf Club Heads and Shafts

ABSTRACT

In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf club components incorporating adjustment members that permit ready adjustability of golf club parameters and/or interchangeability of golf club components to change a golf club configuration, and methods for providing golf clubs. According to aspects of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of a golf club parameter to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics. According to another aspect of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of two golf club parameters independently to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 61/654,070 filed on May 31, 2012, which application is incorporatedby reference herein and made a part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to golf clubs, golf club heads, golfclub shafts and associated systems and methods. More particularly,aspects of this invention relate to golf club systems and methods thatprovide enhanced golf club structures and golf club supply management.

BACKGROUND

Golf clubs are well known in the art for use in the game of golf. Golfclub assemblies typically include a golf club head, a shaft, and a grip.Significant research and development has been devoted to improvingperformance characteristics of golf clubs and providing additionalenhanced features. Certain features include adjustments associated withvarious portions of the golf club assembly that allow golfers to modifythe golf club to suit their individual preferences and performanceneeds. Golf clubs incorporating such features are generally referred toas adjustable golf clubs.

While known adjustable golf clubs may provide a number of advantages togolfers, they nevertheless have limitations and proffered advantages areoften accompanied by performance compromises. Furthermore, theincorporation of adjustment mechanisms to the variety of different golfclubs types that golfers use has resulted in ever-expanding manufacturerand retail inventories while simultaneously generating supply issuesexemplified by limited availability of certain golf club configurations,and excess supply of others. At the same time, the number of StockKeeping Units (SKUs) that must be manufactured to supply a full line ofclub configurations for each golf club model and type has also becomeever-expanding. Not only has this increased the cost and complexity ofgolf club manufacturing, but the overwhelming variety of options hasmade it more difficult for some golfers to select the correct clubconfiguration for their individual performance needs. Additionally, theincreased costs associated with adjustment mechanisms have limitedaccessibility to adjustable golf clubs for a substantial number ofgolfers. The present invention seeks to overcome these limitations andother drawbacks of known golf clubs and the current method ofmanufacturing and supplying golf clubs. In addition, the presentinvention provides new features heretofore unavailable to golfers, golfclub fitters, and golf club providers.

SUMMARY

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention inorder to provide a basic understanding of the invention and variousfeatures of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention in any way, but it simply provides a general overview andcontext for the more detailed description that follows.

In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf clubcomponents incorporating adjustment members that permit readyadjustability of golf club parameters and/or interchangeability of golfclub components to change a golf club configuration, and methods forproviding golf clubs. Club configuration may be defined as onepermutation of available options for each model, either adjustable or“designed-in” such as Loft+Face Angle+Lie Angle+Shaft Flex andConstruction. According to aspects of this invention, an adjustmentmember may be utilized to allow the adjustability of a golf clubparameter to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there issubstantially no change to other club or club head variables, parametersor characteristics. According to another aspect of this invention, anadjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of two golfclub parameters independently to change a golf club configuration, whileensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club headvariables, parameters or characteristics.

According to aspects of this invention, a golf club may be provided witha base configuration. The golf club may include a shaft, a grip and agolf club head. When oriented in a reference position, the golf club mayhave a set of base parameters or characteristics, such as a base loftangle, a base lie angle, a base face angle, a base center of gravitylocation, a base moment of inertia, etc. The golf club may include anadjustment member that allows a user to change one or more parameters orcharacteristics independently of other parameters or characteristics.The golf club head may be incorporate design aspects that ensure thereis substantially no change to certain club or club head performancevariables, parameters or characteristics, and/or specified change ofother performance variables, parameters or characteristics.

Additionally, another aspect of this invention may relate to methods ofassembling golf clubs using adjustment members in accordance withexamples of this invention. Such methods may include: (a) providing agolf club head with at least a first base parameter (e.g., bymanufacturing it, from a third party supplier, etc.); (b) producing atleast one adjustment member that permits substantially independentadjustment of the first base parameter from a first base parameter valueto one or more alternate values; (c) engaging (e.g., via cements oradhesives, via other fusing or mechanical fastening techniques, or in areleasable manner, etc.) the adjustment member with the head, whereinthe adjustment member is operably associated with the club head and mayutilize cooperating surfaces to achieve adjustment; (d) engaging a shaftand grip with the golf club head and/or the adjustment member; whereinsteps (a)-(d) produce a reconfigurable first golf club that eliminatesthe need to provide at least one other golf club head having a secondbase parameter value to produce a second golf club.

As additional example aspects of this invention, a purchaser of a golfclub described herein may be provided with a comprehensive selection ofoptions at retail, and the retailer providing the golf club may maintaina reduced amount of inventory for the proffered selection. The retailermay offer golf club heads for purchase and shaft assemblies for sale, aswell as complete golf clubs. The shaft assemblies may, for example, beoffered in four different flex ratings, e.g., senior (A) flex, regular(R) flex, stiff (S) flex, or extra stiff (X) flex and a single loft(e.g. a base loft of 10.5 degrees). Conventionally, a retailer wouldneed to carry an inventory of multiple lofts, e.g., 8.5 degrees, 9.5degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees, for each shaftflex offered. For example, a retailer may wish to have on hand, at anygiven time, 25 units of each shaft flex and loft available for aparticular golf club model to ensure adequate supply to purchasers andmay be required to maintain an inventory of approximately 500conventional golf clubs. By offering for sale golf clubs incorporatingthe principles taught herein, the retailer would only need to carry aninventory of approximately 100 assembled golf clubs, wherein anadjustment member would allow the golf clubs to be adjusted from thebase loft to the remaining lofts desired (e.g., from 10.5 degrees to 8.5degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees or 12.5 degrees) while other club orclub head parameters remain substantially constant within a specifiedrange. This reduction in inventory drastically reduces the number ofgolf clubs the retailer would be required to purchase to have sufficientinventory on hand at any given time, freeing up cash flow that can beinvested elsewhere. Additionally, the reduced inventory woulddrastically reduce storage space requirements, significantly reducingoverhead costs. Moreover, the reduced inventory reduces the likelihoodof carrying unsaleable products or golf clubs at the end of the seasonwhich must then be sold at discount or even a loss.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to a golf club headcomprising a body defining a ball striking surface, a crown, a sole, aheel, a toe and a back; and an adjustment member operably connected tothe body. The body and adjustment member may be structured such that theadjustment member adjusts a first parameter associated with the bodyamong a plurality of positions and wherein in response to the adjustmentof the first parameter, a second parameter associated with the bodyremains constant within a predetermined tolerance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and certainadvantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdetailed description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a perspective view of an example golf clubaccording to this invention;

FIGS. 2 through 18 illustrate various views of an example golf club headand various performance parameters and characteristics according to thisinvention;

FIGS. 19A through 19E include tables that illustrate variousconfigurations and measurements for an example golf club according tothis invention;

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an example adjustment member for an examplegolf club according to this invention;

FIGS. 21A through 32C illustrate various views of another exampleadjustment member for an example golf club according to this invention;

FIGS. 33A through 34B illustrate example golf club heads according tothis invention;

FIGS. 35A through 36C illustrate tables of test data of example golfclub heads according to this invention;

FIG. 37 illustrates a tables of test data of a golf club head as acomparative example;

FIGS. 38A through 39C illustrate distance and dispersion ellipses chartsof example golf club heads according to this invention;

FIG. 40 illustrates a distance and dispersion ellipses chart of a golfclub head as a comparative example;

FIGS. 41A through 42B illustrate an example retail display according tothis invention;

FIG. 43 illustrates a flowchart for an example method according to thisinvention;

FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart for another example method according tothis invention; and

FIGS. 45A and 45B illustrate example network architecture and componentsaccording to this invention.

The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various example structures in accordancewith the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings,which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrationvarious example adjustment members, golf club heads, and golf clubstructures in accordance with the invention. Additionally, it is to beunderstood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures maybe utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, whilethe terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “rear,” “side,” “underside,”“overhead,” and the like may be used in this specification to describevarious example features and elements of the invention, these terms areused herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the exampleorientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typicaluse. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring aspecific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in orderto fall within the scope of this invention.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example golf club 100 in accordance withat least some examples of this invention. This club 100 includes a clubhead 102, a shaft 106 (which will be described in more detail below),and a grip member 103 engaged with the shaft 106. While adriver/wood-type golf club head 102 is illustrated in these figures,aspects of this invention may be applied to any type of club head,including, for example: fairway wood club heads (e.g., 3-woods with loftangles ranging from 13-17 degrees, 5 woods with loft angles ranging from15-19 degrees, and other possible wood club heads with other varyingloft angles); wood or iron type hybrid golf club heads (of any desiredloft, e.g., generally from 13-45 degrees); or iron type golf club heads(of any desired loft, e.g., from a 0-iron or 1-iron to a wedge); and thelike. The club heads may be made from any desired materials, in anydesired construction and/or in any desired manner, including fromconventional materials, in conventional constructions, in conventionalmanners, as are known and/or used in the art, optionally modified (ifnecessary, e.g., in size, shape, inclusion of structures, etc.) asrequired for aspects of this invention as described in more detailbelow. As will be described in detail below, the club head 102 mayinclude an adjustment member 104 which may provide for the adjustment ofparameters of the club head 102.

Any desired materials also may be used for the shaft 106, includingconventional materials that are known and/or used in the art, such assteel, graphite based materials, polymers, composite materials,combinations of these materials, etc. Optionally, if necessary ordesired, the shaft 106 may be modified (e.g., in size, shape, etc.) toaccommodate releasable club head/shaft connection parts. The grip member103 may be engaged with the shaft 106 in any desired manner, includingin conventional manners that are known and/or used in the art (e.g., viacements or adhesives, via mechanical connections, etc.). Any desiredmaterials may be used for the grip member 103, including conventionalmaterials that are known and/or used in the art, such as rubber,polymeric materials, cork, rubber or polymeric materials with cord orother fabric elements embedded therein, cloth or fabric, tape, etc.

For each of the different club types, such as drivers, fairway woodclubs, hybrid clubs, and iron clubs, a manufacturer of golf clubs mayoffer various or differing club lines and models. Each model may havedifferent club head parameters as compared to a similar club type in thesame line. As will be described in detail below, these club headparameters may have varying effects on the swing performance andball-striking performance for a given user of the golf club. Therefore,each club model may have swing performance and/or ball-strikingperformance intended for a given golfer.

For example, a manufacturer may offer a metalwood club line thatincludes four different driver models, 4 different fairway wood models,and 4 different hybrid models. As was discussed above, the differentmodels may have different club head parameters to provide varyingeffects on swing and ball-striking performance so that the golf clubline includes models of each club type suitable to a wide range ofgolfers.

Generally, all club heads 102 include various parts. FIG. 2 illustratesvarious parts of the golf club head 102 as will be referenced throughoutthe remainder of this application (as referenced from USGA Rules ofGolf). A club head 102 has a face or striking face 110, a crown 112, asole 114, a heel 116, a toe 118, and a back 120. The crown 112 may bedefined as the upper curved portion of the head 102 of a wood or metalwood. The sole 114 may be defined as the bottom or underside portion ofany type of club, and is generally opposite the crown 112. The sole 114may include an area on the club head 102 that rests on the ground when agolfer soles the golf club 100. The sole 114 may generally rest on aground plane 124, wherein the ground plane 124 is a horizontal planetangent with the bottom of the club head 102. The heel 116 may the partof the club head 102 nearer to and including the hosel 126. The toe 118may be the area of the golf club 100 that is the farthest from the shaft106. The back 120 of the club head 102 is generally opposite the face110. The shaft 106 attaches to the head 102 at the heel 116 via a hosel126. The shaft 106 has a center axis 107. The hosel 126 may have a bore108 for receiving the shaft 106, or a shaft adapter 200 (see FIGS. 21A,22A, and 22B). The hosel bore 108 has a center axis or a hosel axis 128.If the shaft 106 is inserted and attached directly to hosel bore 108,the hosel axis 128 may be substantially coincident with shaft axis 107.For club head embodiments including a shaft adapter 200, the shaft 106may be received in a shaft adapter bore 208. The shaft adapter bore 208may have a center axis or shaft adapter axis 201, which may besubstantially coincident with shaft axis 107. The shaft adapter axis 201may be offset angularly and/or linearly from the hosel axis 128 topermit adjustment of club parameters via rotation of the shaft adapterwith respect to club head 102, as is known by persons skilled in theart.

According to aspects of this invention, a golf club 100 may be providedwith a base configuration. The base configuration may be defined by aset of base parameters or characteristics of a golf club head 102 thatoriented in a reference position. The golf club 100 and/or the golf clubhead 102 base parameters or characteristics may include, but are notlimited to: a face center location, a base loft angle, a base faceangle, a base lie angle, a base center of gravity location, a basemoment of inertia, a bulge curvature, a roll curvature, a base solecontact location or sole contact point, and a virtual rotation point.Parameters or characteristics as well as methods and procedures formeasuring them will be described and detailed below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a lie angle 130 is defined as the angleformed between the shaft axis 107 and a horizontal plane contacting thesole 114, which may be the ground plane 124.

FIG. 6 illustrates the face center location 140 on a fixtured club head102. The face center 140 is determined using Unites States GolfAssociation (USGA) standard measuring procedures and methods. Forexample, the current USGA procedure requires finding the center pointalong a horizontal line 142 along the club face 110 until the heel 116and the toe 118 measurements at the edges of the face 110 of the clubhead 102 are equal. Then, finding the center point along a vertical line144 along the club face 110 until the crown 112 and the sole 114measurements at the edges of the face 110 of the club head 102 are alsoequal. When the heel 116 and the toe 118 measurements are equal and thecrown 112 and the sole 114 measurements are equal, the intersectingpoint of these lines is defined as the face center location 140.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a loft angle 150 of the golf club head102. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the loft angle 150 is defined as ameasurement between an axis normal 152 or perpendicular to a face centeraxis 154 and an axis normal 156 or perpendicular to the ground plane124. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the face center axis 154 isdefined as the axis from the face center 140 and normal to the face.

In another aspect and similar to the aspect as illustrated in FIG. 7, asillustrated in FIG. 8, the loft angle 150 is defined as a measurementbetween the face center axis 154 and the ground plane 124. It isrecognized that each of these loft angle 150 definitions may yield asimilar or exactly the same loft angle measurement.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a face angle 160 of a golf club head102. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the face angle 160 is measured byutilizing the face center axis 154 and a right plane 162 (a planeperpendicular to the X axis).

An origin point 132 may be defined on the golf club 100 or golf clubhead 102, or a point defined in relation to certain elements of the clubor head. Various other points, such as the center of gravity, solecontact, and face center, may be described and/or measured in relationto the origin point 132. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a coordinate systemmay be defined on the origin point 132, e.g., with a Z′ axis 134extending along the direction of the shaft axis 107 (and/or the hoselaxis 128 or shaft adapter axis 201), an X′ axis 136 parallel with thevertical plane and normal to the Z′ axis, and a Y′ axis 138 normal tothe X′ and Z′ axes.

FIG. 6 illustrates two different examples of where the origin point 132may be located. The first location 132A, defined as the hosel originpoint 132A, is generally located on the hosel 126. The hosel originpoint 132A is located on the hosel axis 128, or if so provided, theshaft adapter axis 201, and coincident with the uppermost edge 126A ofthe hosel 126 or shaft adapter. A second location 132B, defined as aground origin point 132B, is generally located at the ground plane 124.The ground origin point 132B is defined as the point at which the groundplane 124 and the hosel axis 128 intersect. Either location for theorigin point 132 may be utilized without departing from this invention.Additionally, other locations for the origin point 132 may be utilizedwithout departing from this invention. Throughout the remainder of thisapplication, the hosel origin point 132A will be utilized for allreference locations, tolerances, and calculations.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a center of gravity location 170 as aspecified parameter of the golf club head 102. The golf club head 102center of gravity location 170 is provided with reference to itsposition from the origin point 132. As illustrated in FIG. 10, thecenter of gravity location 170 is defined by a distance from the originpoint 132 along the X′ axis 172, Y′ axis 174, and Z′ axis 176.

Referring to FIG. 11, another example of a specified parameter of thegolf club head 102 is the moment of inertia 180 of the golf club head102. Golf club head moments of inertia are defined about axes extendingthrough the golf club head center of gravity 170, meaning that themoment of inertia is measured about a CG X-axis 182, a CG Y-axis 184,and a CG Z-axis 186, which is an axes coordinate system with an originlocated at the center of gravity 170. As illustrated in FIG. 11, themoment of inertia 180 is defined about the center of gravity in the X,Y, and Z directions with the z axis being perpendicular to the groundplane 124, the X axis being in the heel-toe direction, and the Y axisextending in the face to back direction. MOI X-X 182A represents themoment of inertia about the X axis 182. MOI Y-Y 184A represents themoment of inertia about the Y axis 184. MOI Z-Z 186A represents themoment of inertia about the Z axis 186.

Another example of a specified parameter of a golf club head is a bulgeradius or bulge curvature 190 of the golf club head 102. FIGS. 12, 13A,and 13B illustrate an example of a bulge curvature 190 as a specifiedparameter of a golf club head 102. The bulge curvature 190 is defined asthe intersection of a bulge plane 191 and the face 110. The bulge plane191 is defined as a plane parallel to the ground plane 124 through theface center 140. The bulge curvature 190 is the horizontal curvature ofthe face 110 of a wood or metal wood from the heel 116 to the toe 118.To provide an example, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, a circle 192 with aradius of R follows the bulge curvature 190 of the club head 102. Thearc of that circle 192 is used to determine the measurement of the bulgecurvature 190. Generally, the bulge curvature 190 may be determined byfinding a best fit curve or utilizing a radius gauge to determine thebulge curvature 190 measurement. The bulge curvature 190 may be anapproximate radius and not a radius per se. The bulge curvature 190 canbe, for example, a compound curve, etc, that may be approximated as aradius utilizing mathematical techniques known and/or used in the artfor approximating radius.

FIGS. 12 and 14 illustrate an example of a roll radius or a rollcurvature 194 as a specified parameter of a golf club head 102. The rollcurvature 194 is defined as the intersection of a roll plane 195 and theface 110. The roll plane 195 is defined as a plane normal to the groundplane 124 through the face center 140. The roll curvature 194 is thevertical curvature of the face 110 of a wood or metal wood from thecrown 112 to the sole 114. To provide an example, as illustrated in FIG.14B, a circle 196 with a radius R′ follows the roll curvature 194 of theclub head 102. The arc of that circle 196 is used to determine themeasurement of the roll curvature 194. Generally, the roll curvature 194may be determined by finding a best fit curve or utilizing a radiusgauge to determine the roll curvature 194 measurement. The rollcurvature 194 may be an approximate radius and not a radius per se. Theroll curvature 194 can be, for example, a compound curve, etc, that maybe approximated as a radius utilizing mathematical techniques knownand/or used in the art for approximating radius.

The sole contact point 165 is measured in relation to the referenceposition and results naturally from fixturing the golf club head 102 inthe reference position. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the sole contactpoint 165 is that point wherein the sole of the club head 102 contactsthe ground plane 124. To determine the sole contact point 165, a groundplane 124 is created by aligning a horizontal plane such that thehorizontal plane intersects the lowest point on the bottom of the clubhead 102. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the sole contact point location 165is defined by a distance from the origin point 132 in the X′ axis 166,Y′ axis 167, and Z′ axis 168. Generally, the geometry of the sole 114may yield the sole contact point 165. However, in some club models, thegeometry of the sole may yield a line, wherein the sole contact point165 may then be defined as the midpoint of that line. Additionally, insome club models, the geometry of the sole 114 may yield a 2-dimensionalshape (i.e., rectangle, square, circle, oval, an irregular shape, etc.),wherein the sole contact point 165 may then be defined as the center ofarea of the 2-dimensional shape.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate a golf club head 102 oriented in a referenceposition. In the reference position, the shaft axis 106 (and/or hoselaxis 128 or shaft adapter axis 201, not shown) lies in a vertical planeas shown in FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the shaft axis 107 (and/or hosel axis128 or shaft adapter axis 201) may be oriented at a base lie angle 130.The base lie angle selected for the reference position may be the golfclub 100 manufacturer's specified lie angle. If a specified lie angle isnot available from the manufacturer, a lie angle of 57-63 degrees may beused for metalwoods, depending on shaft length and/or club headgeometry, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.For example, a contemporary driver-type metalwood club may be orientedat a lie angle of 60 about degrees.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the face may be oriented at the baseloft angle 150 and base face angle 160. The base loft and face anglesselected for the reference position may be the golf club manufacturer'sspecified loft and face angles.

Club head parameters or characteristics may be measured physically, orin a computer-aided-design (CAD) environment. Generally, if a 3dimensional (3D) model of club head 102 is not readily available, onemay be created by performing a 3D scan of the interior and exterior of aphysical example of the club head 102 and creating a model file from thescan data and/or physical measurements, such that the model issubstantially representative of the physical club head. In the CADenvironment, the model of club head 102 may be set in the referenceposition with the face 110 oriented at the base face angle and/or thebase loft angle within the CAD environment such that the model is fullyconstrained.

In another aspect of this invention, the golf club 100 may be physicallyoriented in the reference position using a fixturing system 105, forexample such as shown in FIG. 16. As was described above, the shaft axis107 (and/or hosel axis 128 and shaft adapter axis 201) may be aligned ata lie angle according to the golf club manufacturer's specification, orat an appropriate lie angle as determined by one of skill in the art.The golf club head 102 may rest with its sole 114 contacting ahorizontal surface 124 with the club face 110 positioned at the baseface angle and/or base loft angle using conventional loft and face anglemeasurement gauges known to one of skill in the art.

For adjustable club heads, which may permit adjustment of some or allclub head parameters, the base position for each may be selected as aneutral position. For example, if club head 102 may be adjusted to anyof 3 discrete face angles, the middle face angle may be selected (e.g.,for options of −2 degrees, 0 degrees, and +2 degrees, 0 degrees may beselected). Similarly, if the face angle may be adjusted to any desiredposition over a finite range of positions, the middle value of the rangemay be selected (e.g., for a range of −2 to +2 degrees, 0 degrees may beselected). If the number of discrete position options provided for thebase parameter or characteristic does not have a distinct middle (e.g.,2, 4, or 6 options), the neutral position may be one of the upper orlower value positions closest to a middle position (e.g.: the first orsecond position for a system with 2 discrete positions; the second orthird position for a system with 4 discrete positions; etc.).

Once the base performance parameters or characteristics have beenmeasured in the reference position, the club may be adjusted to any orall of the various available positions, and the performance parametersor characteristics may be measured in each position. To determine theposition of the club head 102 at which the performance parameters may bemeasured in each of the various configurations available, it may benecessary to determine how the club head 102 is rotated or indexed toachieve each of the different configurations. Then, the club head 102may be positioned within the CAD environment or fixturing systemaccordingly to reflect the adjustment and to perform any desiredmeasurements.

B. Description of Adjustable Golf Club Systems and Methods

In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf clubcomponents incorporating adjustment members that permit readyadjustability of golf club parameters and/or interchangeability of golfclub components to change a golf club configuration, and methods forproviding golf clubs. Club configuration may be defined as onepermutation of available options for each model, either adjustable or“designed-in” such as loft angle and/or face angle and/or lie angleand/or shaft flex and/or construction. According to aspects of thisinvention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow theadjustability of a golf club parameter to change a golf clubconfiguration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to otherclub or club head variables, parameters or characteristics. According toanother aspect of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilizedto allow the adjustability of two golf club parameters independently tochange a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantiallyno change to other club or club head variables, parameters orcharacteristics.

As was described above, the golf club 100 may be provided with a baseconfiguration and when oriented in the reference position, the golf clubmay have a set of base parameters or characteristics, such as a baseloft angle, a base lie angle, a base face angle, a base center ofgravity location, a base moment of inertia, etc. The adjustment membermay allow a user to change one or more parameters or characteristicsindependently of other parameters or characteristics, while ensuringthere is substantially no change to other club or club head variables,parameters or characteristics.

For example, a golf club may include a base loft angle (which could alsobe addressed as baseline loft angle or neutral loft angle). This baseloft angle may include any loft angle appropriate for a particular golfclub. For example, a driver type golf club may have a nominal base loftangle of 10.5 degrees. In another example, a fairway wood type golf clubmay have a nominal base loft angle of 16 degrees, while another fairwaywood type golf club may have a nominal base loft angle of 20 degrees. Inyet another example, a hybrid type golf club may have a nominal baseloft angle of 18 degrees. Other base loft angles for various type golfclubs may be utilized without departing from this invention.

The adjustment member according to examples of this invention may allowa user to change the club loft angle from the base loft angle indiscrete increments, for example 1 degree, plus a tolerance, e.g. +/−0.3degree. For the example of the driver club with a nominal base loftangle of 10.5 degrees, the adjustment member may therefore allow theuser to change the exemplary base club loft angle to 9.5 degrees or 11.5degrees, effectively lowering or raising the loft angle by 1 degree. Inanother aspect, the adjustment member may allow the user to change theclub loft angle from the base loft angle in discrete increments, forexample up to +/−2 degrees, plus a tolerance, e.g. +−0.3 degree. Theadjustment member may therefore allow the user to change the exemplarybase club loft angle to 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, or 12.5degrees, effectively lowering or raising the loft angle by 1 degree witheach increment. Additionally, the adjustment member may allow the userto change the club loft angle by up to +/−4 degrees, plus a tolerance,e.g. 0.3 degree, from a reference loft angle. For example, theadjustment member may allow the user to change the nominal base loftangle to 6.5 degrees, 7.5 degrees, 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5degrees, 12.5 degrees, 13.5 degrees, or 14.5 degrees. When the loftangle is changed, there may be substantially no change (or a minimalchange) [of e.g less than +/−0.3 degrees, +/−4 mm, or 15 KG/mm² whenmeasured with respect to the reference position] to any otherparameters, variables or characteristics of the golf club head or golfclub, e.g., lie angle, face angle, bulge curvature, roll curvature, clubhead center of gravity height, moments of inertia of the club head aboutvarious axes passing through the center of gravity, etc. The adjustmentmember according to examples of this invention may enable a user toselect from at least 3 different lofts on a single club head, whileensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club headvariables, parameters or characteristics.

In another example, or in addition to the above example, a golf club mayinclude a base face angle which may be a neutral face angle. This baseface angle may include any face angle appropriate for a particular golfclub. For example, a driver type golf club may have a nominal base faceangle of approximately 1 degrees open or a neutral face angle, or 0degrees. Other base face angles for various other club types may beutilized without departing from this invention.

A second adjustment member, according to examples of this invention mayallow a user to change the club face angle from the base face angle indiscrete increments, for example 2 degrees, plus a tolerance, e.g.+/−0.5 degree. The second adjustment member may be a separate adjustmentmember or integral to the first adjustment member without departing fromthis invention. The second adjustment member may therefore allow theuser to change the exemplary base club face angle from the neutral faceangle to +2 degrees open or −2 degrees closed, effectively lowering orraising the face angle by 2 degrees. Additionally, the second adjustmentmember may allow the user to change the club face angle by up to +/−4degrees, plus a tolerance, e.g. 0.5 degree, from the base face angle.For example, the second adjustment member may allow the user to changethe nominal base face angle from the neutral face angle to a +4 degreeopen face angle or a −4 degree closed face angle. When the face angle ischanged, there may be substantially no change (or a minimal change) [ofe.g less than +/−0.3 degrees, +/−4 mm, or 15 KG/mm² when measured withrespect to the reference position] to any other parameters, variables orcharacteristics of the golf club head or golf club, e.g., lie angle,loft angle, bulge curvature, roll curvature, club head center of gravityheight, moments of inertia of the club head about various axes passingthrough the center of gravity, etc. The second adjustment memberaccording to examples of this invention may enable a user to select fromat least 3 different face angles on a single club head, while ensuringthere is substantially no change to other club or club head variables,parameters or characteristics.

As was discussed above, an adjustment member and/or a second adjustmentmember may be utilized to change one or two parameters orcharacteristics independently of other parameters or characteristics,while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or clubhead variables, parameters, or characteristics, such as center ofgravity location, face center location, sole contact point, moment ofinertia, bulge curvature, and roll curvature. While each of theseparameters may not substantially change, there may be a tolerance levelor minimal change for these parameters when measured with respect totheir reference position or value. This minimal change may berepresented by various methods, such as percentage change, or valuechange.

For example, when one or two parameters are changed (such as loft angleand/or face angle), the moment of inertia may change minimally from thereference moment of inertia. This minimal change in the moment ofinertia may be represented by a MOI tolerance value or an MOI tolerancepercentage. In one aspect of the invention, the MOI tolerance value maybe 10.0 KG-mm² or less about any of the axes when one or two parametersare changed. In another aspect of the invention, the MOI tolerance valuemay be 15.0 KG-mm² or less about any of the axes when one or twoparameters are changed. In another aspect of the invention, the MOItolerance percentage may be 2% or less about any of the axes when one ortwo parameters are changed. In another aspect of the invention, the MOItolerance percentage may be 4% or less about any of the axes when one ortwo parameters are changed.

Additionally, as was discussed above, an adjustment member and/or asecond adjustment member may be utilized to change one or two parametersor characteristics independently of other parameters or characteristics,while ensuring there is substantially no change or minimal change toother club or club head variables, parameters, or characteristics. Forthe specific location parameters (such as center of gravity location,face center location, and sole contact point location), the minimalchange may be represented by a 3-dimensional tolerance sphere for thesespecific locations. The tolerance sphere may be in the form of an actualsphere equation as defined below:

(x−Xo)²+(y−Yo)²+(z−Zo)² =r ²

Wherein: Xo, Yo, and Zo is the center of the sphere and r is the radiusof the sphere.

For example, when one or two parameters are changed (such as loft angleand/or face angle), the location of the center of gravity may changeminimally from the reference center of gravity location. This minimalchange in the center of gravity location will be maintained within thearea defined by the center of gravity tolerance sphere. In one aspect ofthe invention, the radius of the center of gravity tolerance sphere willbe approximately 1 mm, wherein the minimal change of the center ofgravity location when one or two parameters are changed will be nogreater than 1 mm away in any direction from the center of the sphere orthe reference center of gravity location. In another aspect of theinvention, the radius of the center of gravity tolerance sphere will beapproximately 2 mm, wherein the minimal change of the center of gravitylocation when one or two parameters are changed will be no greater than2 mm away in any direction from the center of the sphere or thereference center of gravity location. In another aspect of theinvention, the radius of the center of gravity tolerance sphere will beapproximately 4 mm, wherein the minimal change of the center of gravitylocation when one or two parameters are changed will be no greater than4 mm away in any direction from the center of the sphere or thereference center of gravity location.

Additionally, when one or two parameters are changed (such as loft angleor face angle), the location of the face center may change minimallyfrom the reference face center location. This minimal change in the facecenter location will be maintained within the area defined by the facecenter tolerance sphere. In one aspect of the invention, the radius ofthe face center tolerance sphere will be approximately 1 mm, wherein theminimal change of the face center location when one or two parametersare changed will be no greater than 1 mm away in any direction from thecenter of the sphere or the reference face center location. In anotheraspect of the invention, the radius of the face center tolerance spherewill be approximately 2 mm, wherein the minimal change of the facecenter location when one or two parameters are changed will be nogreater than 2 mm away in any direction from the center of the sphere orthe reference face center location. In another aspect of the invention,the radius of the face center tolerance sphere will be approximately 4mm, wherein the minimal change of the face center location when one ortwo parameters are changed will be no greater than 4 mm away in anydirection from the center of the sphere or the reference face centerlocation.

Additionally, when one or two parameters are changed (such as loft angleor face angle), the location of the sole contact point may changeminimally from the reference sole contact point location. This minimalchange in the sole contact point location will be maintained within thearea defined by the sole contact point tolerance sphere. In one aspectof the invention, the radius of the sole contact point tolerance spherewill be approximately 1 mm, wherein the minimal change of the solecontact point location when one or two parameters are changed will be nogreater than 1 mm away in any direction from the center of the sphere orthe reference sole contact point location. In another aspect of theinvention, the radius of the sole contact point tolerance sphere will beapproximately 2 mm, wherein the minimal change of the sole contact pointlocation when one or two parameters are changed will be no greater than2 mm away in any direction from the center of the sphere or thereference sole contact point location. In another aspect of theinvention, the radius of the sole contact point tolerance sphere will beapproximately 4 mm, wherein the minimal change of the sole contact pointlocation when one or two parameters are changed will be no greater than4 mm away in any direction from the center of the sphere or thereference sole contact point location.

Furthermore, as was discussed above, an adjustment member and/or asecond adjustment member may be utilized to change one or two parametersor characteristics independently of other parameters or characteristics,while ensuring there is substantially no change or minimal change toother club or club head variables, parameters, or characteristics. Forbulge curvature and roll curvature, the minimal change may berepresented by a 2-dimensional curvature tolerance. As illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the curvature tolerance may be defined by the spacecreated by the difference of two different circles. One circle may bedefined as the lower limit tolerance radius circle and the other circlemay be defined as the upper limit tolerance radius circle. Each of thetwo circles may be represented by an actual circle equation as definedbelow:

(x−Xo)²+(y−Yo)² =r ²

Wherein: Xo and Yo is the center of the circle and r is the radius ofthe circle (or the bulge curvature/roll curvature).

Therefore, the tolerance curvature may be calculated by subtracting theupper limit circle equation from the lower limit circle equation,wherein the upper limit circle is defined as:

(x _(U) −Xo)²+(y _(U) −Y _(o))² =r _(U) ²

Wherein: Xo and Yo is the center of the circle and x_(U) and y_(U) andr_(U) are coordinates and the radius of the upper limit tolerancecircle.

[(x _(L) −Xo)²+(y _(L) −Yo)² ]=r _(L) ²

Wherein: Xo and Yo is the center of the circle and x_(L) and y_(L) andr_(L) are coordinates and the radius of the lower limit tolerancecircle.

The curvature tolerance may be defined as located between the upperlimit tolerance radius and the lower limit tolerance radius. FIGS. 17and 18 illustrate the bulge curvature tolerance and the roll curvaturetolerance respectively. Generally, the minimal change in the bulgecurvature and the roll curvature during various adjustments will bemaintained within the area defined by the upper limit tolerance radiusand the lower limit tolerance radius, or within the curvature tolerance.

For example, when one or two parameters are changed (such as loft angleand/or face angle), the bulge curvature may change minimally from thereference bulge curvature between the upper limit radius and the lowerlimit radius. This minimal change in the bulge curvature will bemaintained within the area defined by the bulge curvature tolerance. Inone aspect of the invention, the bulge curvature tolerance will beapproximately 2.5 mm, wherein the minimal change of the bulge curvaturewhen one or two parameters are changed will be within the 2.5 mm bulgecurvature tolerance for the reference bulge curvature. In another aspectof the invention, the bulge curvature tolerance will be approximately 5mm, wherein the minimal change of the bulge curvature when one or twoparameters are changed will be within the 5 mm bulge curvature tolerancefor the reference bulge curvature.

Additionally, when one or two parameters are changed, the roll curvaturemay change minimally from the reference roll curvature between the upperlimit radius and the lower limit radius. This minimal change in the rollcurvature will be maintained within the area defined by the rollcurvature tolerance. In one aspect of the invention, the roll curvaturetolerance will be approximately 2.5 mm, wherein the minimal change ofthe roll curvature when one or two parameters are changed will be withinthe 2.5 mm roll curvature tolerance for the reference roll curvature. Inanother aspect of the invention, the roll curvature tolerance will beapproximately 5 mm, wherein the minimal change of the roll curvaturewhen one or two parameters are changed will be within the 5 mm rollcurvature tolerance for the reference roll curvature.

FIG. 19A illustrates an example set of tolerance data for a given drivergolf club head. The below set of data/information is illustrated for aclub head with a neutral club face angle and changing only the loftangle. The below data is referenced from the table illustrated in FIG.19A. With this club head in a reference or base position, the referenceor base loft angle is at 10.5 degrees. The club head may be adjustedutilizing the adjustment member to five different positions. In thisgiven example, the available positions will be represented by differentloft angles, wherein the loft angle may be adjusted to 8.5, 9.5, 10.5,11.5, and 12.5 degrees. The below tables represents the maximumtolerances for each of the performance parameters through each of thefive various configurations as determined utilizing the process asdescribed and detailed above.

TABLE 1A Driver #1 (C1) Tolerance Levels - Loft Angle Adjustment Driver#1 (C1) (Data taken from FIG. 19A) Loft Angle Changes (1 variableindependently changed) % from MOI - Tolerances MOI Reference Toleranceof MOI about the X-Axis 4.4 KG-mm² 1.6% Tolerance of MOI about theY-Axis 1.0 KG-mm² 0.4% Tolerance of MOI about the Z-Axis 3.7 KG-mm² 1.1%Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x − 32.1)² + (y − 16.5)² + (z −(−69.2))² = (0.6)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (32.1, 16.5, −69.2)with a radius of 0.6 mm Face Center Tolerance Sphere (x − 38.5)² + (y −(−13.1))² + (z − (−70.9))² = (0.5)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (38.5,−13.1, −70.9) with a radius of 0.5 mm Sole Contact Point ToleranceSphere (x − 19.3)² + (y − (−6.6))² + (z − (−99.1))² = (1.3)² ToleranceSphere - located at (19.1, −6.6, −99.1) with a radius of 1.3 mm BulgeCurvature Maximum Bulge Curvature 306.4 mm Minimum Bulge Curvature 304.4mm Bulge Curvature Tolerance 2.0 mm 0.7% Roll Curvature Maximum RollCurvature 314.5 mm Minimum Roll Curvature 314.5 mm Roll CurvatureTolerance 0.0 mm 0.0% Face Angle Tolerance of Face Angle 1.1°

The below set of data/information is illustrated for a club headchanging both the loft angle and the face angle. The below data isreferenced from the table illustrated in FIG. 19A. With this club headin a reference or base position, the reference or base loft angle is at10.5 degrees and the nominal face angle has a neutral position ofapproximately 1 degree open (or a neutral face angle of 0 degrees). Theclub head may be adjusted utilizing the adjustment member to fifteendifferent positions. In this given example, the loft angle may beadjusted to 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, and 12.5. In this given example, theface angle may be adjusted from the neutral position to open and closedposition (adjusting the face angle approximately 1-1.5 degrees eachdirection). The below tables represents the maximum tolerances for eachof the performance parameters through each of the five variousconfigurations (five loft adjustment positions by three face angleadjustment positions) as determined utilizing the process as describedand detailed above.

TABLE 1B Driver #1 (C1) Tolerance Levels - Loft and Face AngleAdjustment Driver #1 (C1) (Data taken from FIG. 19A) Loft Angle and FaceAngle Changes (2 variables independently changed) % from MOI -Tolerances MOI Reference Tolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 8.2 KG-mm²2.9% Tolerance of MOI about the Y-Axis 6.5 KG-mm² 2.3% Tolerance of MOIabout the Z-Axis 5.3 KG-mm² 1.6% Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x −32.3)² + (y − 16.5)² + (z − (−69.1))² = (1.8)² Tolerance Sphere -located at (32.1, 16.5, −69.2) with a radius of 0.6 mm Face CenterTolerance Sphere (x − 38.7)² + (y − (−13.1))² + (z − (−70.7))² = (2.0)²Tolerance Sphere - located at (38.7, −13.1, −70.7) with a radius of 2.0mm Sole Contact Point Tolerance Sphere (x − 19.6)² + (y − (−6.6)² + (z −(−99.0))² = (2.9)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (19.6, −6.6, −99.0)with a radius of 2.9 mm Bulge Curvature Maximum Bulge Curvature 306.4 mmMinimum Bulge Curvature 304.0 mm Bulge Curvature Tolerance 2.4 mm 0.8%Roll Curvature Maximum Roll Curvature 314.5 mm Minimum Roll Curvature314.5 mm Roll Curvature Tolerance 0.0 mm 0.0%

FIG. 19B illustrates an example set of tolerance data for another givendriver golf club head representing a different model incorporating theabove principles. The below set of data/information is illustrated for aclub head with a neutral club face angle and changing only the loftangle. The below data is referenced from the table illustrated in FIG.19B. With this club head in a reference or base position, the referenceor base loft angle is at 10.5 degrees. The club head may be adjustedutilizing the adjustment member to five different positions. In thisgiven example, the available positions will be represented by differentloft angles, wherein the loft angle may be adjusted to 8.5, 9.5, 10.5,11.5, and 12.5 degrees. The below tables represents the maximumtolerances for each of the performance parameters through each of thefive various configurations as determined utilizing the process asdescribed and detailed above.

TABLE 2A Driver #2 (C2) Tolerance Levels - Loft Angle Adjustment Driver#2 (C2) (Data taken from FIG. 19B) Loft Angle Changes (1 variableindependently changed) % from MOI - Tolerances MOI Reference Toleranceof MOI about the X-Axis 2.7 KG-mm² 0.9% Tolerance of MOI about theY-Axis 3.9 KG-mm² 1.3% Tolerance of MOI about the Z-Axis 5.0 KG-mm² 1.3%Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x − 34.1)² + (y − 16.9)² + (z −(−72.0))² = (2.4)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (34.1, 16.9, −72.0)with a radius of 2.4 mm Face Center Tolerance Sphere (x − 39.4)² + (y −(−13.7))² + (z − (−74.4))² = (1.2)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (39.4,−13.7, −74.4) with a radius of 1.2 mm Sole Contact Point ToleranceSphere (x − 20.1)² + (y − (−9.0))² + (z − (−100.6))² = (1.8)² ToleranceSphere - located at (20.1, −9.0, −100.6) with a radius of 1.8 mm BulgeCurvature Maximum Bulge Curvature 300.5 mm Minimum Bulge Curvature 298.3mm Bulge Curvature Tolerance 2.2 mm 0.8% Roll Curvature Maximum RollCurvature 304.8 mm Minimum Roll Curvature 304.8 mm Roll CurvatureTolerance 0.0 mm 0.0% Face Angle Tolerance of Face Angle 1.4°

The below set of data/information is illustrated for a club headchanging both the loft angle and the face angle. The below data isreferenced from the table illustrated in FIG. 19B. With this club headin a reference or base position, the reference or base loft angle is at10.5 degrees and the nominal face angle has a neutral position ofapproximately 1 degree open (or a neutral face angle of 0 degrees). Theclub head may be adjusted utilizing the adjustment member to fifteendifferent positions. In this given example, the loft angle may beadjusted to 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, and 12.5. In this given example, theface angle may be adjusted from the neutral position to open and closedpositions (adjusting the face angle approximately 1-1.5 degrees in eachdirection). The below tables represents the maximum tolerances for eachof the performance parameters through each of the five variousconfigurations (five loft adjustment positions by three face angleadjustment positions) as determined utilizing the process as describedand detailed above.

TABLE 2B Driver #2 (C2) Tolerance Levels - Loft and Face AngleAdjustment Driver #2 (C2) (Data taken from FIG. 19B) Loft Angle and FaceAngle Changes (2 variables independently changed) % from MOI -Tolerances MOI Reference Tolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 3.4 KG-mm²1.1% Tolerance of MOI about the Y-Axis 6.1 KG-mm² 2.0% Tolerance of MOIabout the Z-Axis 7.3 KG-mm² 1.9% Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x −34.2)² + (y − 17.2)² + (z − (−71.8))² = (2.8)² Tolerance Sphere -located at (34.2, 17.2, −71.8) with a radius of 2.8 mm Face CenterTolerance Sphere (x − 39.5)² + (y − (−13.7))² + (z − (−74.3))² = (2.0)²Tolerance Sphere - located at (39.5, −13.7, −74.3) with a radius of 2.0mm Sole Contact Point Tolerance Sphere (x − 20.3)² + (y − (−9.0))² + (z− (−100.5))² = (3.0)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (20.3, −9.0, −100.5)with a radius of 3.0 mm Bulge Curvature Maximum Bulge Curvature 301.1 mmMinimum Bulge Curvature 297.6 mm Bulge Curvature Tolerance 3.5 mm 1.2%Roll Curvature Maximum Roll Curvature 304.8 mm Minimum Roll Curvature304.8 mm Roll Curvature Tolerance 0.0 mm 0.0%

FIG. 19C illustrates an example set of tolerance data for a givenfairway wood club head, for example a three-wood. The below set ofdata/information is illustrated for a club head with a neutral club faceangle and changing only the loft angle. The below data is referencedfrom the table illustrated in FIG. 19C. With this club head in areference or base position, the reference or base loft angle is at 16degrees. The club head may be adjusted utilizing the adjustment memberto five different positions. In this given example, the availablepositions will be represented by different loft angles, wherein the loftangle may be adjusted to 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 degrees. The belowtables represents the maximum tolerances for each of the performanceparameters through each of the five various configurations as determinedutilizing the process as described and detailed above.

TABLE 3A Fairway Wood #1 (3-Wood) Tolerance Levels - Loft AngleAdjustment Fairway Wood #1 (Three-wood) (Data taken from FIG. 19C) LoftAngle Changes (1 variable independently changed) % from MOI - TolerancesMOI Reference Tolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 4.7 KG-mm² 0.9%Tolerance of MOI about the Y-Axis 6.4 KG-mm² 1.2% Tolerance of MOI aboutthe Z-Axis 8.3 KG-mm² 1.1% Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x −36.6)² + (y − 54.0)² + (z − (−65.1))² = (1.3)² Tolerance Sphere -located at (36.6, 54.0, −65.1) with a radius of 1.3 mm Face CenterTolerance Sphere (x − 29.7)² + (y − (−13.4))² + (z − (−69.5))² = (1.1)²Tolerance Sphere - located at (29.7, −13.4, −69.5) with a radius of 1.1mm Sole Contact Point Tolerance Sphere (x − 19.5)² + (y − (−13.0))² + (z− (−86.3))² = (1.5)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (19.5, −13.0, −86.3)with a radius of 1.5 mm Bulge Curvature Maximum Bulge Curvature 251.4 mmMinimum Bulge Curvature 248.3 mm Bulge Curvature Tolerance 3.1 mm 1.2%Roll Curvature Maximum Roll Curvature 256.6 mm Minimum Roll Curvature256.6 mm Roll Curvature Tolerance 0.0 mm 0.0% Face Angle Tolerance ofFace Angle 1.3°

The below set of data/information is illustrated for a club headchanging both the loft angle and the face angle. The below data isreferenced from the table illustrated in FIG. 19C. With this club headin a reference or base position, the reference or base loft angle is at16 degrees and the nominal face angle has a neutral position ofapproximately 1 degree open (or a neutral face angle of 0 degrees). Theclub head may be adjusted utilizing the adjustment member to fifteendifferent positions. In this given example, the loft angle may beadjusted to 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 degrees. In this given example, theface angle may be adjusted from the neutral position to open and closedpositions (adjusting the face angle approximately 0.5-1 degrees in eachdirection). The below tables represents the maximum tolerances for eachof the performance parameters through each of the five variousconfigurations (five loft adjustment positions by three face angleadjustment positions) as determined utilizing the process as describedand detailed above.

TABLE 3B Fairway Wood #1 (3-Wood) Tolerance - Loft and Face AngleAdjustment Fairway Wood #1 (Three-Wood) (Data taken from FIG. 19C) LoftAngle and Face Angle Changes (2 variables independently changed) % fromMOI - Tolerances MOI Reference Tolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 5.8KG-mm² 1.1% Tolerance of MOI about the Y-Axis 10.1 KG-mm² 1.9% Toleranceof MOI about the Z-Axis 12.0 KG-mm² 1.5% Center of Gravity ToleranceSphere (x − 36.7)² + (y − 53.9)² + (z − (−65.0))² = (2.0)² ToleranceSphere - located at (36.7, 53.9, −65.0) with a radius of 2.0 mm FaceCenter Tolerance Sphere (x − 29.8)² + (y − (−13.4))² + (z − (−69.5))² =(1.8)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (29.8, −13.4, −69.5) with a radiusof 1.8 mm Sole Contact Point Tolerance Sphere (x − 19.6)² + (y −(−13.0))² + (z − (−86.2))² = (2.4)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (19.6,−13.0, −86.2) with a radius of 2.4 mm Bulge Curvature Maximum BulgeCurvature 252.4 mm Minimum Bulge Curvature 248.1 mm Bulge CurvatureTolerance 4.3 mm 1.7% Roll Curvature Maximum Roll Curvature 256.6 mmMinimum Roll Curvature 256.6 mm Roll Curvature Tolerance 0.0 mm 0.0%

FIG. 19D illustrates an example set of tolerance data for another givenfairway wood club head, for example a five-wood. The below set ofdata/information is illustrated for a club head with a neutral club faceangle and changing only the loft angle. The below data is referencedfrom the table illustrated in FIG. 19D. With this club head in areference or base position, the reference or base loft angle is at 20degrees. The club head may be adjusted utilizing the adjustment memberto five different positions. In this given example, the availablepositions will be represented by different loft angles, wherein the loftangle may be adjusted to 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 degrees. The belowtables represents the maximum tolerances for each of the performanceparameters through each of the five various configurations as determinedutilizing the process as described and detailed above.

TABLE 4A Fairway Wood #2 (5-Wood) Tolerance - Loft Angle AdjustmentFairway Wood #2 (Five-wood) (Data taken from FIG. 19D) Loft AngleChanges (1 variable independently changed) % from MOI - Tolerances MOIReference Tolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 4.1 KG-mm² 0.9% Tolerance ofMOI about the Y-Axis 4.9 KG-mm² 1.0% Tolerance of MOI about the Z-Axis6.7 KG-mm² 0.9% Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x − 36.0)² + (y −50.3)² + (z − (−65.7))² = (1.2)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (36.0,50.3, −65.7) with a radius of 1.2 mm Face Center Tolerance Sphere (x −30.9)² + (y − (−13.5))² + (z − (−70.9))² = (1.1)² Tolerance Sphere -located at (30.9, −13.5, −70.9) with a radius of 1.1 mm Sole ContactPoint Tolerance Sphere (x − 19.1)² + (y − (−11.1))² + (z − (−85.7))² =(1.5)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (19.1, −11.1, −85.7) with a radiusof 1.5 mm Bulge Curvature Maximum Bulge Curvature 249.4 mm Minimum BulgeCurvature 245.0 mm Bulge Curvature Tolerance 4.4 mm 1.8% Roll CurvatureMaximum Roll Curvature 256.9 mm Minimum Roll Curvature 256.9 mm RollCurvature Tolerance 0.0 mm 0.0% Face Angle Tolerance of Face Angle 1.3°

The below set of data/information is illustrated for a club headchanging both the loft angle and the face angle. The below data isreferenced from the table illustrated in FIG. 19D. With this club headin a reference or base position, the reference or base loft angle is at20 degrees and the nominal face angle has a neutral position ofapproximately 1 degree open (or a neutral face angle of 0 degrees). Theclub head may be adjusted utilizing the adjustment member to fifteendifferent positions. In this given example, the loft angle may beadjusted to 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 degrees. In this given example, theface angle may be adjusted from the neutral position to open and closedpositions (adjusting the face angle approximately 0.5-1 degrees in eachdirection). The below tables represents the maximum tolerances for eachof the performance parameters through each of the five variousconfigurations (five loft adjustment positions by three face angleadjustment positions) as determined utilizing the process as describedand detailed above.

TABLE 4B Fairway Wood #2 (5-Wood) Tolerance - Loft and Face AngleAdjustment Fairway Wood #2 (Five-Wood) (Data taken from FIG. 19D) LoftAngle and Face Angle Changes (2 variables independently changed) % fromMOI - Tolerances MOI Reference Tolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 5.2KG-mm² 1.1% Tolerance of MOI about the Y-Axis 7.7 KG-mm² 1.6% Toleranceof MOI about the Z-Axis 9.5 KG-mm² 1.3% Center of Gravity ToleranceSphere (x − 36.1)² + (y − 50.3)² + (z − (−65.6))² = (1.9)² ToleranceSphere - located at (36.1, 50.3, −65.6) with a radius of 1.9 mm FaceCenter Tolerance Sphere (x − 31.0)² + (y − (−13.4))² + (z − (−70.7))² =(1.8)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (31.0, −13.4, −70.7) with a radiusof 1.8 mm Sole Contact Point Tolerance Sphere (x − 19.3)² + (y −(−11.1))² + (z − (−85.6))² = (2.4)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (19.3,−11.1, −85.6) with a radius of 2.4 mm Bulge Curvature Maximum BulgeCurvature 250.5 mm Minimum Bulge Curvature 244.7 mm Bulge CurvatureTolerance 5.8 mm 2.4% Roll Curvature Maximum Roll Curvature 256.9 mmMinimum Roll Curvature 256.9 mm Roll Curvature Tolerance 0.0 mm 0.0%

FIG. 19E illustrates an example set of tolerance data for a givenhybrid-type club head. The below set of data/information is illustratedfor a club head with a neutral club face angle and changing only theloft angle. The below data is referenced from the table illustrated inFIG. 19E. With this club head in a reference or base position, thereference or base loft angle is at 18 degrees. The club head may beadjusted utilizing the adjustment member to five different positions. Inthis given example, the available positions will be represented bydifferent loft angles, wherein the loft angle may be adjusted to 16, 17,18, 19, and 20 degrees. The below tables represents the maximumtolerances for each of the performance parameters through each of thefive various configurations as determined utilizing the process asdescribed and detailed above.

TABLE 5A Hybrid-Type Club Tolerance Levels - Loft Angle AdjustmentHybrid-Type Club Head (Data taken from FIG. 19E) Loft Angle Changes (1variable independently changed) % from MOI - Tolerances MOI ReferenceTolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 2.2 KG-mm² 1.5% Tolerance of MOI aboutthe Y-Axis 1.4 KG-mm² 0.7% Tolerance of MOI about the Z-Axis 2.8 KG-mm²1.7% Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x − 26.8)² + (y − 8.6)² + (z −(−74.2))² = (1.2)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (26.8, 8.6, −74.2) witha radius of 1.2 mm Face Center Tolerance Sphere (x − 36.6)² + (y −(−8.6))² + (z − (−78.5))² = (1.3)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (36.6,−8.6, −78.5) with a radius of 1.3 mm Sole Contact Point Tolerance Sphere(x − 19.4)² + (y − (−2.7))² + (z − (−90.5))² = (1.6)² Tolerance Sphere -located at (19.4, 2.7, −90.5) with a radius of 1.6 mm Bulge CurvatureMaximum Bulge Curvature 306.3 mm Minimum Bulge Curvature 302.1 mm BulgeCurvature Tolerance 4.2 mm 1.4% Roll Curvature Maximum Roll Curvature355.8 mm Minimum Roll Curvature 355.8 mm Roll Curvature Tolerance 0.0 mm0.0% Face Angle Tolerance of Face Angle 1.0°

The below set of data/information is illustrated for a club headchanging both the loft angle and the face angle. The below data isreferenced from the table illustrated in FIG. 19E. With this club headin a reference or base position, the reference or base loft angle is at18 degrees and the nominal face angle has a neutral position ofapproximately 1 degree open (or a neutral face angle of 0 degrees). Theclub head may be adjusted utilizing the adjustment member to fifteendifferent positions. In this given example, the loft angle may beadjusted to 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 degrees. In this given example, theface angle may be adjusted from the neutral position to open and closedpositions (adjusting the face angle approximately 0.5-1 degrees). Thebelow tables represents the maximum tolerances for each of theperformance parameters through each of the five various configurations(five loft adjustment positions by three face angle adjustmentpositions) as determined utilizing the process as described and detailedabove.

TABLE 5B Hybrid-Type Club Tolerance Levels - Loft and Face AngleAdjustment Hybrid-Type Club Head (Data taken from FIG. 19E) Loft Angleand Face Angle Changes (2 variables independently changed) % from MOI -Tolerances MOI Reference Tolerance of MOI about the X-Axis 2.7 KG-mm²1.8% Tolerance of MOI about the Y-Axis 2.2 KG-mm² 1.0% Tolerance of MOIabout the Z-Axis 3.7 KG-mm² 2.3% Center of Gravity Tolerance Sphere (x −26.9)² + (y − 8.6)² + (z − (−74.0))² = (2.0)² Tolerance Sphere - locatedat (26.9, 8.6, −74.0) with a radius of 2.0 mm Face Center ToleranceSphere (x − 36.7)² + (y − (−8.6))² + (z − (−78.3))² = (2.2)² ToleranceSphere - located at (36.7, −8.6, −78.3) with a radius of 2.2 mm SoleContact Point Tolerance Sphere (x − 19.6)² + (y − (−2.7))² + (z −(−90.4))² = (2.6)² Tolerance Sphere - located at (19.6, −2.7, −90.4)with a radius of 2.6 mm Bulge Curvature Maximum Bulge Curvature 307.6 mmMinimum Bulge Curvature 300.9 mm Bulge Curvature Tolerance 6.7 mm 2.2%Roll Curvature Maximum Roll Curvature 355.8 mm Minimum Roll Curvature355.8 mm Roll Curvature Tolerance 0.0 mm 0.0%

FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate an adjustable driver or club headmanufactured according to the tolerance specifications presented inTables 1A and 1B above, as well as FIG. 19A, and designated as the C1driver. FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrated another adjustable driver or clubhead manufactured according to the tolerance specifications presented inTables 2A and 2B above, as well as FIG. 19B, and designated as the C2driver. In these specific driver club heads in accordance with thisinvention, when one or two parameters are changed independently of otherparameters or characteristics, there is substantially no change to otherclub or club head variables, parameters, or characteristics, such ascenter of gravity location, face center location, sole contact point,moment of inertia, bulge curvature, and roll curvature. These driverclub heads described above and illustrated in FIGS. 33A through 34Butilizing the adjustment member(s) as described above can replacemultiple configurations or models of the same type club heads thatinclude different designed-in loft angles and/or designed-in faceangles. The driver club head illustrated in FIGS. 33A through 34B, whileutilizing the adjustment member(s), is capable of allowing a user tochange one or more parameters or characteristics independently of otherparameters or characteristics (such as loft angle and/or face angle),while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or clubhead variables, parameters or characteristics.

FIGS. 35A through 40 illustrate tables of test data and charts thatillustrate data taken from robot testing of adjustable clubs or clubheads manufactured according to the tolerance specifications presentedin Tables 1A through 2B above and identified as the C1 driver and C2driver, as well as a series of comparative example clubs havingdesigned-in loft angles. Specifically, FIGS. 35A through 35C illustratetables of test data of the C1 driver as described and detailed above inTables 1A and 1B, while FIGS. 38A through 38C illustrate distance anddispersion ellipses charts of the C1 driver as described and detailedabove in Tables 1A and 1B. Additionally, FIGS. 36A through 36Cillustrate tables of test data of the C2 driver as described anddetailed above in Tables 2A and 2B, while FIGS. 39A through 39Cillustrate distance and dispersion ellipses charts of the C2 driver asdescribed and detailed above in Tables 2A and 2B. FIGS. 37 and 40illustrate a table of test data and a distance and dispersion ellipseschart of comparative example driver clubs having designed-in loftangles.

As illustrated in the data tables and distance and dispersion ellipsescharts, the example club heads according to the specifications of Tables1A through 2B achieved performance that is consistent or superior to thecomparative examples. As an example, specifically, the smash factor ofthe club heads according to the specifications of Tables 1A through 2Bis consistent to the comparative example club heads. Additionally, asanother example, the dispersion of the club heads according to thespecifications of Tables 1A through 2B is consistent or better than thecomparative example club heads. Additionally, as another example, thedistance of the club heads according to the specifications of Tables 1Athrough 2B is consistent or better than the comparative example clubheads.

Description of Example Adjustment Members

As was described above, the adjustment member and/or a second adjustmentmember allows a user to change one or more parameters or characteristicsindependently of other parameters or characteristics, while ensuringthere is substantially no change to other club or club head variables,parameters or characteristics. There are various methods and structuresfor the adjustment member and/or the second adjustment member thatallows a user to change one or more parameters or characteristicsindependently of other parameters or characteristics, while ensuringthere is substantially no change to other club or club head variables,parameters or characteristics. Generally, the adjustment member and/orthe second adjustment member may be operably associated with the club.The following methods or structures will be generally describedbelow: 1) ball-and-socket type hosel/shaft connections; 2) rotatablehosel inserts with offset axes (either one or more sleeves); and 3)replaceable hosels, with each hosel yielding a different configuration.Other adjustment and connection methods or structures known and used inthe art may be utilized without departing from this invention.

In one aspect of the invention, FIGS. 20A and 20B depict an illustrationof a ball-and-socket type hosel/shaft connection or a sphericalreleasable connection. The spherical releasable connection assembly 1204between golf club heads and shafts in accordance with aspects of thisinvention may include a shaft adapter 1220, a hosel insert 1230, and ashaft retainer 1240. The hosel insert 1230 may be at least partiallylocated within an interior chamber 210 of the golf club head 202. Theshaft adapter 1220 may be releasably connected to the hosel insert 1230.The shaft retainer 1240 may be slidably engaged along the golf clubshaft 1206 and may be secured to the hosel insert 1230, thereby securingthe shaft adapter 1220 firmly against the hosel insert 1230.

The golf club head 1202 may comprise an interior chamber 1210 configuredto receive a hosel insert 1230. As shown in FIG. 20A, the interiorchamber 1210 may be configured to receive a hosel insert 1230. The hoselinsert 1230 may be at least partially located within the interiorchamber 1210. The hosel insert 1230 has an outer perimeter and an innerperimeter. The outer perimeter may be configured to be engaged with theinterior chamber 1210 of the golf club head 1202. The inner perimetermay include a rotation inhibiting structure 1232.

As seen in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the illustrative shaft adapter 1220 may behollow and may be sized to receive a free end portion of a golf shaft1206. Conversely, the shaft adapter 1220 may also be sized to bereceived within a hollow portion at the free end of a golf shaft 1206.

The lower end 1224 of the shaft adapter 1220 may be defined by aspherical member. The spherical member 1224 may be configured toreleasably mate with the hosel insert 1230. As seen in FIG. 20A, thelower end 1224 of the shaft adapter 1220 comprises a spherical member1224 configured to mate with at least a portion of the rotationinhibiting structure 1232 of the hosel insert 1230.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to the spherical member 1224having a direction change region. Releasable golf club head/shaftconnection assemblies 1204 may enable club fitters (or others) to adjustvarious positions and/or angles of the club head 1202 (and its ballstriking face) with respect to the free end (grip) of the shaft 1206(e.g., face angle, lie angle, loft angle, etc.), while ensuring there issubstantially no change to the other club or club head variables,parameters, or characteristics. This connection may allow themodification of the face angle, lie angle, and loft angle when theorientation of the shaft adapter 1220 is varied, while ensuring there issubstantially no change to the other club or club head variables,parameters, or characteristics.

In another embodiment in accordance with this invention, the adjustmentmember and/or the second adjustment member may include one or morerotatable hosel inserts or sleeves that allows a user to change one ormore parameters or characteristics independently of other parameters orcharacteristics, while ensuring there is substantially no change toother club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics. One orboth of the rotatable hosel inserts may include offset axes, such thatwhen one or more of the inserts are rotated, the effective club headconfiguration is changed. When the club head configuration is changed,this will generally change one or more parameters or characteristicsindependently of other parameters or characteristics, while ensuringthere is substantially no change to other club or club head variables.

One sleeve may be attached or engaged with the shaft, while anothersleeve may be attached or engaged with the hosel. Each of the sleevesmay also engage with one another. In another embodiment, there may justbe one sleeve attached or engaged with the shaft or one sleeve attachedor engaged with the hosel. As was stated above, when one sleeve or twosleeves are rotated within the hosel assembly, either one or twoparameters may be changed for the user, while ensuring there issubstantially no change to the other club or club head variables,parameters, or characteristics.

In another embodiment, the adjustment member and/or second adjustmentmember may include replaceable hosel inserts that allow a user to changeone or more parameters or characteristics independently of otherparameters or characteristics, while ensuring there is substantially nochange to other club or club head variables, parameters orcharacteristics. The replaceable hosel inserts, when inserted into thehosel and/or the club head, will create a certain configuration of aclub head with a given set of parameters. For example, when a firstreplaceable hosel insert is inserted into and locked into the club head,the club head may have a set of parameters or characteristics. When asecond replaceable hosel insert is inserted into and locking into theclub head in place of the first replaceable hosel insert, the club headmay have a different set of parameters or characteristics. Utilizing thesecond replaceable hosel insert may change one or more of theparameters, while ensuring there is substantially no change to the otherclub or club head variables, parameters, or characteristics. A thirdreplaceable hosel insert may also be inserted into and locking into theclub head in place of the first and/or second replaceable hosel insert.Utilizing the third replaceable hosel insert may change one or more ofthe parameters, while ensuring there is substantially no change to theother club or club head variables, parameters, or characteristics.Multiple replaceable hosel inserts may be utilized without departingfrom this invention.

FIGS. 21A through 26 illustrate a releasable connection 104 between golfclub heads and shafts in accordance with examples of this invention.FIG. 21A illustrates an exploded view of the releasable connection 104.As illustrated in FIG. 21A, this releasable connection 104 between thegolf club head 102 and the shaft 106 includes a shaft adapter 200, ahosel adapter 300, and a hosel ring 500. Generally, the hosel ring 500is configured to engage a club head chamber 404 in the golf club head102, the hosel adapter 300 is configured to engage in the locking ring500 and the golf club head 102, the shaft adapter 200 is configured toengage in the hosel adapter 300, and the shaft 106 is configured toengage the shaft adapter 200. The details of the engagement of theseexample components/parts will be explained in more detail below.

The releasable connection 104, as described below, includes twodifferent sleeves, a shaft adapter 200 and a hosel adapter 300. Thesetwo different sleeves may provide the ability to adjust two differentclub head parameters independently. Additionally, in accordance withaspects of this invention, one sleeve may be utilized, wherein eitherthe shaft adapter 200 or the hosel adapter 300 may be eliminated suchthat only one club head parameter may be adjusted independently of theother parameters or characteristics with substantially no change (orminimal change) in the other parameters or characteristics of the golfclub head. In another embodiment, one of either the shaft adapter 200 orthe hosel adapter 300 may include an off-axis or angled bore and theother the shaft adapter 200 or the hosel adapter 300 may not include anoff-axis or angled bore. Additionally, in accordance with aspects ofthis invention, the two different sleeves may be utilized with off-axisor angled bores, however they may provide the ability to adjust one clubhead parameter independently with substantially no change (or minimalchange) in the other parameters or characteristics of the golf clubhead. With this embodiment, only one club head parameter may be adjustedindependently of the other parameters or characteristics. For each ofthese adjustments, whether adjusting two different club head parametersindependently or adjusting one club head parameter, there may besubstantially no change (or minimal change) in the other parameters orcharacteristics of the golf club head.

In this exemplary embodiment, neither the shaft adapter 200 nor thehosel adapter 300 need to be removed from the club head 102 to rotatethe shaft adapter 200 and/or hosel adapter 300 to variousconfigurations. The shaft adapter 200 and hosel adapter 300 are captivewithin the releasable connection 104. In one exemplary embodiment toachieve this captive feature, the shaft adapter 300 may include a stopring 205. The stop ring 205 may be in the form of a compression o-ring.The stop ring 205 may also be other mechanical features withoutdeparting from this invention, such as c-clips. This stop ring 205allows the hosel adapter 300 to disengage from the shaft adapter 200without being removed from the club head 102 and thereby allows thehosel adapter 300 and/or the shaft adapter 200 to be rotated withoutbeing removed from the club head 102. Other embodiments may becontemplated without utilizing the captive feature and wherein the shaftadapter 200 and/or hosel adapter 300 may need to be removed from theclub head 102 in order to rotate and/or change the configuration of theclub head 102.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an exploded view of the releasableconnection 104. Generally, the hosel ring 500 is configured to engage aclub head chamber 404 in the golf club head 102, the hosel adapter 300is configured to engage in the hosel ring 500 and the golf club head102, the shaft adapter 200 is configured to engage in the hosel adapter300, and the shaft 106 is configured to engage the shaft adapter 200.The details of the engagement of these example components/parts will beexplained in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22A through 22D, the shaft adapter 1200 includesa generally cylindrical body 202 having a first end 204 and an oppositesecond end 206. The first end 204 defines an opening to an interiorcylindrical chamber 208 for receiving the end of a golf club shaft 106.The second end 206 includes a securing structure (e.g., a threaded hole210 in this example structure) that assists in securely engaging theshaft adapter 200 to a club head body 102 as will be explained in moredetail below. Additionally, the second end 206 includes a stop ring 205.The stop ring 205 may extend radially from the second end 206 of theshaft adapter 200. The stop ring 205 may be capable of stopping andholding the hosel adapter 300 engaged with the shaft adapter 200, butthereby allowing the adjustment and rotation of the hosel adapter 300and/or the shaft adapter 200 without being removed from the club head102. The stop ring 1205 may be integral to the shaft adapter 200, i.e.formed and/or as part of the shaft adapter 200, extending radially fromthe second end 206 of the shaft adapter 200. Additionally, the stop ring205 may be a separate compression o-ring that fits into a channel 207that extends radially around the second end 206 of the shaft adapter200. The separate stop ring 205 (compression o-ring) may be rubber or ametal material.

As shown, at least a portion of the first end 204 of the shaft adapter200 includes a first rotation-inhibiting structure 212. While a varietyof rotation-inhibiting structures may be provided without departing fromthis invention, in this example structure, the rotation-inhibitingstructure 212 constitutes splines 212 a extending along a portion of thelongitudinal axis 226 of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter 200.The splines 212 a of the shaft adapter 200 may prevent rotation of theshaft adapter 200 with respect to the member into which it is fit (e.g.,a hosel adapter, as will be explained in more detail below). A varietyof rotation-inhibiting structures may be used without departing from theinvention. The interaction between these splines and the hosel adaptercylindrical interior will be discussed more below. Other configurationsof splines may be utilized without departing from this invention.

The first rotation-inhibiting structure 212 may extend along a length ofthe shaft adapter 200 such that the hosel adapter 300 can be disengagedfrom the first rotation-inhibiting structure 212 and be rotated whilestill captive on the shaft adapter 200.

FIGS. 22A and 22B further illustrate that the first end 204 of the shaftadapter 200 includes an expanded portion 214. The expanded portion 214provides a stop that prevents the shaft adapter 200 from extending intothe hosel adapter 300 and the club head body 102 and provides a strongbase for securing the shaft adapter 200 to the hosel adapter 300 and theclub head body 102. Also, the exterior shape of the first end 204 may betapered to provide a smooth transition between the shaft 106, the hoseladapter 300, and the club head 102 and a conventional aestheticappearance.

Other features of this example shaft adapter 200 may include an“off-axis” or angled bore hole or interior chamber 208 in which theshaft 106 is received as illustrated for example in FIG. 22C. Morespecifically, in this illustrated example, the outer cylindrical surfaceof the shaft adapter 200 extends in a first axial direction, and theinterior cylindrical surface of the bore hole 208 extends in a secondaxial direction that differs from the first axial direction, therebycreating a shaft adapter offset angle. In this manner, while the shaftadapter 200 exterior maintains a constant axial direction correspondingto that of the interior of the hosel adapter 300 and the openings, theshaft 106 extends away from the club head 102 and the hosel adapter 300at a different and adjustable angle with respect to the club head 102,the hosel adapter 300, and the club head's ball striking face. In thisgiven example, the shaft position and/or angle corresponds to a givenface angle of the golf club head 102. One rotational position may beneutral face, one rotational position may be open face, and onerotational position may be closed face. Other rotational positions maybe utilized without departing from this invention. The shaft positionand/or face angle may be adjusted, for example, by rotating the shaftadapter 200 with respect to the hosel adapter 300 and the club headhosel.

While any desired shaft adapter offset angle may be maintained betweenthe first axial direction and the second axial direction, in accordancewith some examples of this invention, this shaft adapter offset angle orface angle adjustment may be between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees, and insome examples between 0.5 degrees and 8 degrees, between 0.75 degreesand 6 degrees, or even between 1 degree and 4 degrees. In more specificexamples of the invention, the shaft adapter offset angle or face angleadjustment may by approximately 1.5 degrees offset or 2.0 degreesoffset.

FIGS. 23A through 23E illustrate an example hosel adapter 300 inaccordance with this invention. As shown, the hosel adapter 300 isgenerally cylindrical in shape. The hosel adapter 300 has a first end304 and an opposite second end 306. The first end 304 defines an openingto a borehole 308 for receiving the shaft adapter 200. Within the firstend 304 and along the interior sides of the borehole 308, the first end304 includes a second rotation-inhibiting structure 312 configured toengage the first rotation-inhibiting structure 212 on the shaft adapter200 (e.g., in an interlocking manner with respect to rotation).

As illustrated in FIG. 23C, at least a portion of the interior of thefirst end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes the secondrotation-inhibiting structure 312. While a variety ofrotation-inhibiting structures may be provided without departing fromthis invention, in this example structure, the secondrotation-inhibiting structure 312 constitutes splines 312 a extendingalong the interior longitudinal axis. The splines 312 a of the hoseladapter 300 may prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 200 with respectto the hosel adapter 300 into which it is fit (and ultimately withrespect to a golf club head). The splines 312 a of the hosel adapter 300and the splines 212 a of the shaft adapter 200 may be configured tointeract with each other to thereby limit the number of rotations of theshaft adapter 200 within the hosel adapter 300. This will be explainedmore below.

Other features of this example hosel adapter 300 may include an“off-axis” or angled bore hole or interior chamber 308 in which theshaft adapter 200 is received as illustrated for example in FIG. 23C.More specifically, in this illustrated example, the outer cylindricalsurface of the hosel adapter 300 extends in a first axial direction, andthe interior cylindrical surface of the bore hole 308 extends in asecond axial direction that differs from the first axial direction,thereby creating a hosel adapter offset angle. In this manner, while thehosel adapter 300 exterior maintains a constant axial directioncorresponding to that of the interior of the club head chamber 404 andhosel ring 500 and the openings, the shaft adapter 200 (and thereby theshaft 106) extends away from the club head 102 at a different andadjustable angle with respect to the club head 102, the hosel adapter300, and the club head's ball striking face. In this given example, theshaft position and/or angle corresponds to a given loft angle. Therotational positions for loft angle may be defined by loft anglesstarting from approximately 7.5 degrees to 12.5 degrees. Similarconfigurations of loft angles starting lower and higher may also beutilized without departing from this invention. The club head positionand/or loft angle may be adjusted, for example, by rotating the hoseladapter 300 with respect to the hosel ring 500 and the club head 102.

While any desired hosel adapter offset angle may be maintained betweenthe first axial direction and the second axial direction, in accordancewith some examples of this invention, this hosel adapter offset angle orface angle adjustment may be between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees, and insome examples between 0.5 degrees and 8 degrees, between 0.75 degreesand 6 degrees, or even between 1 degree and 4 degrees. In more specificexamples of the invention, the hosel adapter offset angle or face angleadjustment may by approximately 1 degree or one-half degree offset.

The second end 306 of the hosel adapter 300 defines a second opening 310for receiving a securing member 408. Generally, the second opening 310is sized such that the securing member 408 is able to freely passthrough the second opening 310 to engage the threaded hole 210 in theshaft adapter 200. Alternatively, if desired, the securing member 408also may engage the hosel adapter 300 at the second opening 310 (e.g.,the second opening 310 may include threads that engage threads providedon the securing member 408). The securing member 408 may also include aspherical washer 408A and a screw retention device 408B.

As illustrated in FIG. 24B, the spherical washer 408A may have a convexsurface 430 on the side that mates or engages the head of the threadedbolt member 408. Additionally, the head of the threaded bolt member 408may have a concave surface 432 that mates with the convex surface 430 ofthe spherical washer 408A. This convex-concave surface 430-432 matingassists with and allows the misalignment from the rotation of theoff-axis sleeves may cause for the threaded bolt member 408 and the restof the releasable connection 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 21A, the securing system may also include a screwretention device 408B. The screw retention device 408B may be located inthe club head chamber 404. Additionally, the screw retention device 408Bmay be sized such that the screw retention device is bigger than themounting plate 410. The screw retention device 408B retains the threadedbolt member 408 and not allowing the threaded bolt member 408 to fallout of the club head 102.

The hosel adapter 300 may also be non-rotatable with respect to the golfclub head 102. As illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the exterior of thefirst end 304 along an exterior surface 302 of the hosel adapter 300includes a third rotation-inhibiting structure 322 configured to engagea fourth rotation-inhibiting structure 512 on a hosel ring 500 (e.g., inan interlocking manner with respect to rotation). As shown, at least aportion of the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes the thirdrotation-inhibiting structure 322 on the exterior surface 302 of thehosel adapter. While a variety of rotation-inhibiting structures may beprovided without departing from this invention, in this examplestructure, the rotation-inhibiting structure 322 constitutes splines 322a extending along the longitudinal axis of the exterior surface of thehosel adapter 300. The splines 322 a on the exterior surface of thehosel adapter 300 may prevent rotation of the hosel adapter 300 withrespect to the member into which it is fit (e.g., a club head or hoselring 500, as will be explained in more detail below). The thirdrotation-inhibiting structure 322 may extend along the overalllongitudinal length of the hosel adapter 300.

FIGS. 23A and 23B further illustrate that the first end 304 of the hoseladapter 300 includes an expanded portion 318. The expanded portion 318provides a stop that prevents the hosel adapter 300 from extending intothe club head body and provides a strong base for securing the hoseladapter 300 to the club head body 102. Also, the exterior shape of thefirst end 304 may be tapered to provide a smooth transition between theshaft 106 and the club head 102 and a conventional aesthetic appearance.

The hosel adapter 300 may be made from any desired materials and fromany desired number of independent parts without departing from thisinvention. In this illustrated example, the entire hosel adapter 300 ismade as a unitary, one-piece construction from conventional materials,such as metals or metal alloys, plastics, and the like. In at least someexample structures according to this invention, the hosel adapter 300will be made from a titanium, aluminum, magnesium, steel, or other metalor metal alloy material. Additionally, the hosel adapter 300 may be madefrom a self-reinforced polypropylene (SRP), for example PrimoSpire® SRP.The bore and/or surface structures (e.g., splines 312 a, splines 322 a,and expanded portion 318) may be produced in the material in any desiredmanner without departing from the invention, including via productionmethods that are commonly known and/or used in the art, such as bydrilling, tapping, machining, lathing, extruding, grinding, casting,molding, etc. The shaft adapter 200 and hosel adapter 300 and any of theother parts could be metal or plastic, or any other suitable materialsin any combination. For example, the hosel adapter 300 may be ahigh-strength plastic while the shaft adapter 200 is made of a metal.Other combinations may utilized without departing from the invention.

Exemplary hosel rings 500 are illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B. Asshown, the hosel ring 500 is generally cylindrical in shape. Along theinterior sides of the borehole 508, the hosel ring 500 includes a fourthrotation-inhibiting structure 512 configured to engage the thirdrotation-inhibiting structure 322 on the hosel adapter 300 (e.g., in aninterlocking manner with respect to rotation). At least a portion of theinterior of the hosel ring 500 includes the fourth rotation-inhibitingstructure 512. While a variety of rotation-inhibiting structures may beprovided without departing from this invention, in this examplestructure, the fourth rotation-inhibiting structure 512 constitutessplines 512 a extending along the interior longitudinal axis. Thesplines 512 a of the hosel ring 500 may prevent rotation of the hoseladapter 300 with respect to the club head 102 into which it is fit. Thesplines 512 a of the hosel ring 500 and the exterior splines 322 a ofthe hosel adapter 300 may be configured to interact with each other tothereby limit the number of rotations of the hosel adapter 300 withinthe hosel ring 500. This interaction will be explained more below.

The hosel ring 500 may also be non-rotatable with respect to the golfclub head 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the hosel ring 500 maysecured to the club head chamber 404 by any means known and/or used inthe art, such as adhesive, glue, epoxy, cement, welding, brazing,soldering, or other fusing techniques, etc. FIG. 21A illustrates thehosel ring 500 secured to the club head 102 in the club head chamber404. Additionally, the hosel ring 500 may be an integral part of theclub head 102, wherein the hosel ring 500 may be molded into the clubhead chamber 404.

The hosel ring 500 may be made from any desired materials and from anydesired number of independent parts without departing from thisinvention. In this illustrated example, the entire hosel ring 500 ismade as a unitary, one-piece construction from conventional materials,such as metals or metal alloys, plastics, and the like. In at least someexample structures according to this invention, the hosel ring 500 willbe made from a titanium, aluminum, magnesium, steel, or other metal ormetal alloy material. The bore and/or surface structures (e.g., splines512 a) may be produced in the material in any desired manner withoutdeparting from the invention, including via production methods that arecommonly known and/or used in the art, such as by drilling, tapping,machining, lathing, extruding, grinding, casting, molding, etc.

FIGS. 24A through 26 illustrate the releasable connection 104 showingall of the components fitted together. Additionally, as illustrated inFIGS. 21A, 21B, 24A, 25, and 26, the releasable connection 104 may alsoinclude a shaft ring 107. The shaft ring 107 may provide an additionalsmooth transition from the shaft 106 to the shaft adapter 200.

The adjustment of the rotational position of the shaft adapter 200 (andthe attached shaft 106) and hosel adapter 300 will be explained in moredetail below in conjunction with FIG. 21A. Changing the rotationalposition of the shaft adapter 200 with respect to the hosel adapter 300may adjust one or more of various parameters, such as loft angle, faceangle, or lie angle of the overall golf club. In the exemplaryembodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 21A-26, changing the rotationalposition of the shaft adapter 200 with respect to the hosel adapter 300may adjust the face angle. Other parameters of the club head may bedesigned to be adjustable, such as inset distance, offset distance, tofade bias, to draw bias, etc). Additionally, changing the rotationalposition of the hosel adapter 300 with respect to the hosel ring 500 andthe club head 102 may adjust one or more of the various parameters ofthe overall golf club. In the exemplary embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 21A through 26, changing the rotational position of the hoseladapter 300 with respect to the hosel ring 500 and the club head 102 mayadjust the loft angle. In these specific embodiments, the shaft adapter200 and the hosel adapter 300 have independent off-axis bores whichenable them to independently adjust the face angle (shaft adapter 200)and the loft angle (hosel adapter 300).

To enable users to easily identify the club head's “settings” (e.g., theclub head body 102 position and/or orientation with respect to the shaft106), any or all of the shaft 106, the shaft adapter 200, hosel adapter300, and/or the club head 102 may include markings or indicators. FIGS.22A and 22B show an indicator 220 on the shaft adapter 200 (e.g., on theexpanded portion 214). FIGS. 23A and 23B show an indicator 320 on thehosel adapter 300 (e.g., on the expanded portion 318). By noting therelative positions of the various indicators, a club fitter or otheruser can readily determine and know the position of the shaft 106 withrespect to the club head body 102 and its ball striking face. Ifdesired, the indicators (e.g., indicators 220, or 320) may be associatedwith and/or include specific quantitative information, such as aspecifically identified loft angle and face angle.

Golf club adjustability design has generally included having matingparts and cooperating engagement surfaces allowing for specificadjustability of the golf club head 102. However, these current designsoffer many possible adjustable combinations regarding loft angles, faceangles, and lie angles. While this adjustability provides some benefitsto the golfers, a large number of options to the golfer can also beconfusing and cumbersome to the golfer. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the present design and specifically the splineconfigurations of the various rotation-inhibiting structures, provide alimited set of adjustability options that is more user-friendly for thegolfer. For example, the adjustability may be limited to only threedifferent adjustable loft angles and three different adjustable faceangles. The loft angles may vary from 7.5 degrees to 12.5 degrees. Theface angles may be generally referred to as Neutral, Open, and Closed.Therefore, each club head will have a finite number of rotatablepositions, such as a total of nine different face angle and loft angleconfigurations. The configuration of the rotation-inhibiting structureslimit the rotational positions of the shaft adapter and the hoseladapter, providing a more simple, streamlined adjustment features forthe golfer. Thus from the figures and descriptions herein, the variousspline configurations having engagement surfaces structured such thatcertain positions are allowed to provide desired adjustment whileadditional positions are prevented (e.g. the respective splines cannotfit together) to specifically limit the adjustability options.

Another exemplary option set is using four different adjustable loftangles and three different adjustable face angles, thereby creating aclub head with a total of twelve different face angle and loft angleconfigurations. Another exemplary option set is using five differentadjustable loft angles and three different adjustable face angles,thereby creating club head with a total of fifteen different face angleand loft angle configurations. Another exemplary option set is usingseven different adjustable loft angles and three different adjustableface angles, thereby creating club head with a total of twenty-onedifferent face angle and loft angle configurations. Other configurationsof adjustable face angles and loft angles may be utilized withoutdeparting from this invention.

The exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrates a splineconfiguration that allows five loft angles and three face angles ofadjustability. The adjustable loft angles may include 8 degrees, 9degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, and 12 degrees. FIGS. 31A through 31Eshow example loft angles for this given club head. The adjustable faceangles may include Open (“O”), Neutral (“N”) and Closed (“C”). FIGS. 32Athrough 32C show example face angles for this given club head. Theexemplary embodiment in FIG. 30 illustrates a spline configuration thatallows five loft angles and three face angles of adjustability. Thisspline configuration allows for the adjustability of loft angles thatmay include 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, and12.5 degrees. The adjustable face angles may include Open or Left (“L”),Neutral (“N”), and Closed or Right (“R”). The exemplary embodiment inFIG. 29 illustrates a spline configuration with seven loft angles andthree face angles of adjustability. This spline configuration includesadjustable loft angles that may include 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 9.5degrees, 10 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11 degrees, and 12 degrees (notshown). The adjustable face angles may include Open (“O”), Neutral (“N”)and Closed (“C”). FIGS. 28A through 30 illustrated other exampleembodiments of the adjustability options without departing from thisinvention.

It should be understood that a “Neutral” face angle may be a referencepoint/reference face angle and not an actual “neutral” face angle of theface or club head. For example, “Neutral” may represent a 1-degreeclosed face angle of the face. Using a 2-degree face angle adjustment,“Closed” would have a 3-degree closed face and “Open” would have a1-degree open face. In another example, “Neutral” may represent a3-degree open face angle of the face. Using a 2-degree face angleadjustment, “Closed” would have a 1-degree open face and “Open” wouldhave a 5-degree open face.

The spline configuration of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21A-26will be now be described to illustrate how the invention provides forand limits the rotational movement of the shaft adapter 200 and hoseladapter 300 and adjustable face angle and loft angle positions asdescribed above. The embodiment in FIGS. 21A-26 illustrates a three loftangle and three face angle adjustability spline configuration. Theinternal splines 312 a of the hosel adapter 300 and the splines 212 a ofthe shaft adapter 200 may be configured to engage with each other tothereby limit the number of rotations of the shaft adapter 200 withinthe hosel adapter 300, which in turn thereby defines a concrete numberof configurations for the golf club head 102. Additionally, the splinesof the hosel ring 500 and the exterior splines 322 of the hosel adapter300 may also be configured to engage with each other to thereby limitthe number of rotations of the hosel adapter 300 within the hosel ring500. For example, the spline configuration of the hosel ring 500 and theexterior splines 322 of the hosel adapter 300 may be limited to beingrotated in three different rotational positions (e.g., three differentloft angles).

Description of Example Methods of Assembling Golf Clubs

The present invention provides various methods regarding the assemblyand manufacture of golf club heads and golf clubs. Methods of improvedinventory management and for providing a selection of golf clubs tosellers are also disclosed.

Additionally, another aspect of this invention may relate to methods ofassembling golf clubs using adjustment members in accordance withexamples of this invention. Such methods may include: (a) providing agolf club head with at least a first base parameter (e.g., bymanufacturing it, from a third party supplier, etc.); (b) producing atleast one adjustment member (including the adjustment members describedherein) that permits substantially independent adjustment of the firstbase parameter from a first base parameter value to one or morealternate values; (c) engaging (e.g., via cements or adhesives, viaother fusing or mechanical fastening techniques, or in a releasablemanner, etc.) the adjustment member with the head, wherein theadjustment member is operably associated with the club head and mayutilize cooperating surfaces to achieve adjustment; (d) engaging a shaftand grip with the golf club head and/or the adjustment member; whereinsteps (a)-(d) produce a reconfigurable first golf club that eliminatesthe need to provide at least one other golf club head having a secondbase parameter value to produce a second golf club.

The reconfigurable golf club may include a base loft angle (which couldalso be addressed as baseline loft angle or neutral loft angle). Thisbase loft angle may include any loft angle appropriate for a particulargolf club, for example a driver type golf club may have a nominal baseloft angle of approximately 10.5 degrees loft angle. Other loft anglesmay be utilized without departing from this invention.

The method may further include changing the club loft angle from thebase loft angle. The adjustment member according to examples of thisinvention may allow a user to change the club loft angle from the baseloft angle in discrete increments, for example 1 degree, plus atolerance, e.g. +/−0.3 degree. The adjustment member may therefore allowthe user to change the exemplary base club loft angle to 9.5 degrees or11.5 degrees, effectively lowering or raising the loft angle by 1degree. Additionally, the adjustment member may allow the user to changethe club loft angle by up to +/−4 degrees, plus a tolerance, e.g. 0.3degree, from a base or reference loft angle. For example, the adjustmentmember may allow the user to change the nominal base loft angle to 6.5degrees, 7.5 degrees, 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, 12.5degrees, 13.5 degrees, or 14.5 degrees. When the loft angle is changed,there may be substantially no change (or a minimal change) to any otherparameters, variables or characteristics of the golf club head or golfclub, e.g., lie angle, face angle, bulge curvature, roll curvature, facecenter location, club head center of gravity location, sole contactpoint location, moments of inertia of the club head about various axespassing through the center of gravity, etc. The adjustment memberaccording to examples of this invention may enable a user to select fromat least 3 different lofts on a single club head, while ensuring thereis substantially no change to other club or club head variables,parameters or characteristics.

In another example, or in addition to the above example, thereconfigurable golf club may include a base face angle (which could alsobe addressed as baseline face angle or neutral face angle). This baseface angle may include any face angle appropriate for a particular golfclub, for example a driver type golf club may have a nominal base faceangle of approximately 1 degree open or a neutral face angle, or 0degrees. Other base face angles may be utilized without departing fromthis invention.

The method may further include changing the club face angle from thebase face angle. A second adjustment member, according to examples ofthis invention may allow a user to change the club face angle from thebase face angle in discrete increments, for example 2 degree, plus atolerance, e.g. +/−0.5 degree. The adjustment member may therefore allowthe user to change the exemplary base club face angle from a neutralface angle to a +2 degree open face angle or a −2 degree closed faceangle, effectively lowering or raising the face angle by 2 degrees.Additionally, the adjustment member may allow the user to change theclub face angle by up to +/−4 degrees, plus a tolerance, e.g. 0.5degree, from the base face angle. For example, the adjustment member mayallow the user to change the nominal base face angle from a neutral faceangle to a +4 degree open face angle or a −4 degree closed face angle.When the face angle is changed, there may be substantially no change toany other parameters, variables or characteristics of the golf club heador golf club, e.g., lie angle, loft angle, bulge curvature, rollcurvature, face center location, club head center of gravity location,sole contact point location, moments of inertia of the club head aboutvarious axes passing through the center of gravity, etc. The adjustmentmember according to examples of this invention may enable a user toselect from at least 3 different face angles on a single club head,while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or clubhead variables, parameters or characteristics.

In another method of manufacturing a golf club, relating to methods ofassembling golf clubs using adjustment members for the distribution orsale to a retailer in accordance with examples of this invention. Suchmethods may include: (a) manufacturing a golf club head with at least afirst base parameter; (b) producing at least one adjustment member thatpermits substantially independent adjustment of the first base parameterfrom a first base parameter value to at least two alternateconfigurations; (c) engaging (e.g., via cements or adhesives, via otherfusing or mechanical fastening techniques, or in a releasable manner,etc.) the adjustment member with the head, wherein the adjustment memberis operably associated with the club head and may utilize cooperatingsurfaces to achieve adjustment; (d) engaging a shaft and grip with thegolf club head and/or the adjustment member; wherein steps (a)-(d)produce a reconfigurable first golf club that eliminates the need toprovide at least one other golf club head having a second base parametervalue to produce a second golf club.

For example, the reconfigurable golf club may include a base loft angle(which could also be addressed as baseline loft angle or neutral loftangle). This base loft angle may include any loft angle appropriate fora particular golf club, for example a driver type golf club may have anominal base loft angle of approximately 10.5 degrees loft angle. Otherloft angles may be utilized without departing from this invention.

The method may further include changing the club loft angle from thebase loft angle. The adjustment member according to examples of thisinvention may allow a user to change the club loft angle from the baseloft angle in discrete increments, for example 1 degree, plus atolerance, e.g. +/−0.3 degree. The adjustment member may therefore allowthe user to change the exemplary base club loft angle to 8.5 degrees or10.5 degrees, effectively lowering or raising the loft angle by 1degree. Additionally, the adjustment member may allow the user to changethe club loft angle by up to +/−4 degrees, plus a tolerance, e.g. 0.3degree, from a reference loft angle. For example, the adjustment membermay allow the user to change the nominal base loft angle to 5.5 degrees,6.5 degrees, 7.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, 12.5 degrees, or13.5 degrees. When the loft angle is changed, there may be substantiallyno change to any other parameters, variables or characteristics of thegolf club head or golf club, e.g., lie angle, loft angle, bulgecurvature, roll curvature, face center location, club head center ofgravity location, sole contact point location, moments of inertia of theclub head about various axes passing through the center of gravity, etc.The adjustment member according to examples of this invention may enablea user to select from at least 3 different lofts on a single club head,while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or clubhead variables, parameters or characteristics.

In another example, or in addition to the above example, thereconfigurable golf club may include a base face angle (which could alsobe addressed as baseline face angle or neutral face angle). This baseface angle may include any face angle appropriate for a particular golfclub, for example a driver type golf club may have a nominal base faceangle of approximately 1 degree open or a neutral face angle of 0degrees. Other base face angles may be utilized without departing fromthis invention.

The method may further include changing the club face angle from thebase face angle. The adjustment member may include a second adjustmentmember, according to examples of this invention may allow a user tochange the club face angle from the base face angle in discreteincrements, for example 2 degree, plus a tolerance, e.g. +/−0.5 degree.The adjustment member may therefore allow the user to change theexemplary base club face angle from a neutral face angle to a +2 degreeopen face angle or a −2 degree closed face angle, effectively loweringor raising the face angle by 2 degrees. Additionally, the adjustmentmember may allow the user to change the club face angle by up to +/−4degrees, plus a tolerance, e.g. 0.5 degree, from the base face angle.For example, the adjustment member may allow the user to change thenominal base face angle from a neutral face angle to a +4 degree openface angle or a −4 degree closed face angle. When the face angle ischanged, there may be substantially no change to any other parameters,variables or characteristics of the golf club head or golf club, e.g.,lie angle, loft angle, bulge curvature, roll curvature, face centerlocation, club head center of gravity location, sole contact pointlocation, moments of inertia of the club head about various axes passingthrough the center of gravity, etc. The adjustment member according toexamples of this invention may enable a user to select from at least 3different face angles on a single club head, while ensuring there issubstantially no change to other club or club head variables, parametersor characteristics.

Additionally, the method may include engaging a second shaft and gripwith the golf club head and/or the adjustment member, wherein the secondshaft and grip have different characteristics than the first shaft andgrip. Additionally, the method may include engaging a third shaft andgrip with the golf club head and/or the adjustment member, wherein thethird shaft and grip have different characteristics than the first shaftand grip and the second shaft and grip.

Purchaser/Retail Methods

As additional example aspects of this invention, a purchaser of a golfclub described herein may be provided with a comprehensive selection ofoptions at retail, and the retailer providing the golf club may maintaina reduced amount of inventory for the proffered selection.

In a first example, the retailer may offer golf club heads for purchaseand shaft assemblies for sale, as well as complete golf clubs. FIGS. 35Athrough 36B illustrate various prior art retail displays of golf clubsand retail display systems of golf clubs in accordance with aspects ofthis invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 35A through 36B, the shaftassemblies may, for example, be offered in four different flex ratings,e.g., senior (A) flex, regular (R) flex, stiff (S) flex, or extra stiff(X) flex and a single loft (e.g. a base loft of 10.5 degrees).Conventionally, a retailer would need to carry an inventory of multiplelofts, e.g., 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees and12.5 degrees, for each shaft flex offered. For example, a retailer maywish to have on hand, at any given time, 25 units of each shaft flex andloft available for a particular golf club model to ensure adequatesupply to purchasers. The retailer would therefore be required tomaintain an inventory of approximately 500 conventional golf clubs (25A-flex 8.5 degree loft golf clubs, 25 A-flex 9.5 degree loft golf clubs,25 S-Flex 8.5 degree loft golf clubs, 25 S-Flex 9.5 degree loft golfclubs, 25 R-Flex 8.5 degree loft golf clubs, 25 R-Flex 9.5 degree loftgolf clubs, 25 X-Flex 8.5 degree loft golf clubs, 25 X-Flex 9.5 degreeloft golf clubs, etc.). By offering for sale golf clubs incorporatingthe principles taught herein, the retailer would only need to carry aninventory of 100 assembled golf clubs (25 A-flex with variable loftangle adjustment golf clubs, 25 R-flex with variable loft angleadjustment golf clubs, 25 S-flex with variable loft angle adjustmentgolf clubs, and 25 X-flex with variable loft angle adjustment golfclubs), wherein an adjustment member would allow the golf clubs to beadjusted from the base loft to the remaining lofts desired (e.g., from10.5 degrees to 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees or 12.5 degrees)while other club or club head parameters remain substantially constantwithin a specified range. This reduction in inventory drasticallyreduces the number of golf clubs the retailer would be required topurchase to have sufficient inventory on hand at any given time, freeingup cash flow that can be invested elsewhere. Additionally, the reducedinventory would drastically reduce storage space requirements,significantly reducing overhead costs.

In a second example, the retailer may offer for sale unassembled golfclubs comprising golf club heads (or golf club head assemblies) andshafts (or shaft assemblies) according to the principles taught herein.The shafts (or shaft assemblies) may have four different flex ratings,e.g., senior (A) flex, regular (R) flex, stiff (S) flex, or extra stiff(X) flex and the golf club heads may be provided in a single base loft(e.g. 10.5 degrees). Incorporating a similar strategy as disclosedabove, but maintaining separate inventories of golf club heads and shaftassemblies, the retailer may further reduce inventory and thereforefurther reduce overhead costs and increase cash flow. For example, byoffering for sale golf club heads and shaft assemblies incorporating theprinciples taught herein, the retailer would only need to carry aninventory of 100 shaft assemblies (25 A-flex, 25 R-flex, 25 S-flex, and25 X-flex) and 25 golf club heads wherein an adjustment member wouldallow the golf clubs to be adjusted from the base loft to the remaininglofts desired (e.g., from 10.5 degrees to 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5degrees or 12.5 degrees) while other club or club head parameters remainsubstantially constant within a specified range.

FIG. 41A illustrates a prior art model of a sample selection, retailoffering, or retail display 300 of a model of golf club drivers. Asillustrated in FIG. 41A, the retail display 300 includes golf clubdrivers with five different lofts angles 310, that include loft anglesof 8.5 degrees 311, 9.5 degrees 312, 10.5 degrees 313, 11.5 degrees 314,and 12.5 degrees 315. Within each loft angle configuration 310, theretail display 300 also includes golf club drivers with four differentshaft flex configurations 320, that include a shaft flex 320 of senior(A) flex, regular (R) flex, stiff (S) flex, or extra stiff (X) flex.With these example configurations for a golf club model, there may be 20different golf club heads to achieve the five different loft angleconfigurations 310 with four different shaft flex configurations 320.

FIG. 41B illustrates a model of a sample selection, retail offering, orretail display 350 of a model of golf club drivers in accordance withaspects of the invention. The golf club drivers illustrated and offeredat the retail offering 350 illustrated in FIG. 41B include a golf clubthat includes an adjustment member that allows a user to change both theloft angle and the face angle independently of one another. Additionallythe golf club head offered for sale in the retail display 350incorporates design aspects that ensure there is substantially nochanges to certain club or club head performance variables, parameters,or characteristics, and/or specified change of other performancevariables, parameters, or characteristics. As illustrated in FIG. 41B,there are only four golf clubs offered for sale at the retail display350. The first golf club 352 has a shaft with a senior (A) flex and aclub head and adjustment members in accordance with aspects of theinvention. The second golf club 354 has a shaft with a regular (R) flexand a club head and adjustment members in accordance with aspects of theinvention. The third golf club 356 has a shaft with a stiff (S) flex anda club head and adjustment members in accordance with aspects of theinvention. The fourth golf club 358 has a shaft with an extra stiff (X)flex and a club head and adjustment members in accordance with aspectsof the invention.

Each of the club heads illustrated in FIG. 41B may include an adjustmentmember that allows the golf clubs to be adjusted from the base loftangle to the remaining loft angles desired (e.g., from 10.5 degrees to8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees or 12.5 degrees) while other clubor club head parameters remain substantially constant within a specifiedrange. Therein, in accordance with aspects of this invention, the retaildisplay 350 as illustrated in FIG. 41B, and utilizing the golf club headand adjustment members as described in this invention, could take theplace of the prior art retail display 300 as illustrated in FIG. 41A. Byutilizing aspects of this invention, FIG. 35B includes a retail display350 with 16 less golf clubs than the prior art model retail display asillustrated in FIG. 41A.

In another aspect of the invention, FIG. 42A illustrates a prior artmodel of a sample selection, retail offering, or retail display 400 of amodel of golf club drivers. As illustrated in FIG. 42A, the retaildisplay 400 includes golf club drivers with five different lofts angles410, that include loft angles of 8.5 degrees 411, 9.5 degrees 412, 10.5degrees 413, 11.5 degrees 414, and 12.5 degrees 415. Within each loftangle configuration 410, the retail display 400 also includes golf clubdrivers with four different shaft flex configurations 420, that includea shaft flex 420 of senior (A) flex, regular (R) flex, stiff (S) flex,or extra stiff (X) flex. Within each different loft angle configuration410 and each different shaft flex 420, there are three additional golfclub drivers with three different face angle configurations 430, aneutral face angle, an open face angle and a closed face angle. Withthese example configurations for a golf club model, there may be 60different golf club heads to achieve the five different loft angleconfigurations 410 with four different shaft flex configurations 420with three different face angle configurations 430.

FIG. 42B illustrates a model of a sample selection, retail offering, orretail display 450 of a model of golf club drivers in accordance withaspects of the invention. The golf club drivers illustrated and offeredat the retail offering 450 illustrated in FIG. 42B include a golf clubthat includes an adjustment member, such as described herein, thatallows a user to change both the loft angle and the face angleindependently of one another. Additionally the golf club head offeredfor sale in the retail display 450 incorporates design aspects, such asdescribed herein, that ensure there are substantially no changes tocertain club or club head performance variables, parameters, orcharacteristics, and/or specified change of other performance variables,parameters, or characteristics. As illustrated in FIG. 42B, there areonly four golf clubs offered for sale at the retail display 450. Thefirst golf club 452 has a shaft with a senior (A) flex and a club headand adjustment members in accordance with aspects of the invention. Thesecond golf club 454 has a shaft with a regular (R) flex and a club headand adjustment members in accordance with aspects of the invention. Thethird golf club 456 has a shaft with a stiff (S) flex and a club headand adjustment members in accordance with aspects of the invention. Thefourth golf club 458 has a shaft with an extra stiff (X) flex and a clubhead and adjustment members in accordance with aspects of the invention.

Each of the club heads illustrated in FIG. 42B may include an adjustmentmember that allows the golf clubs to be adjusted from the base loftangle to the remaining loft angles desired (e.g., from 10.5 degrees to8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees or 12.5 degrees) while other clubor club head parameters remain substantially constant within a specifiedrange. Additionally, each of the club heads may include a secondadjustment member that allows the golf clubs to be adjusted from thebase face angle to the remaining face angles desired (e.g., from neutralface angle to a closed face angle or an open face angle). Therein, inaccordance with aspects of this invention, the retail display 450 asillustrated in FIG. 42B, and utilizing the golf club head and adjustmentmembers as described in this invention, could take the place of theprior art retail display 400 as illustrated in FIG. 42A. By utilizingaspects of this invention, FIG. 42B includes a retail display 450 with54 less golf clubs than the prior art model retail display asillustrated in FIG. 42A.

FIG. 43 shows a flow chart 500 for a method of providing an inventoryselection to a retail seller of golf clubs in accordance with an aspectof the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the method may include oneor more of the following steps: 1) providing a golf club head with abody 510; 2) providing an adjustment member that is configured to beoperably connected to the body 520; 3) providing a shaft selected from apredetermined group of different shafts 530; and 4) assembling the golfclub head with the adjustment member and with the shaft 540 to form agolf club. The adjustment member may allow a user to change a firstparameter independently of the other parameters or characteristics.Similarly, the golf club head may incorporate design aspects that ensurethere is substantially no change to certain club or club headperformance variables, parameters, or characteristics, and/or specifiedchange of other performance variables, parameters, or characteristics.

In another aspect of the invention, the method as illustrated in FIG. 43for providing an inventory selection to a retail seller of golf clubsmay also include providing a second adjustment member operably connectedto the body. The second adjustment member may allow a user to change asecond parameter independently of the other parameters orcharacteristics. Similarly, the golf club head may incorporate designaspects that ensure there is substantially no change to certain club orclub head performance variables, parameters, or characteristics, and/orspecified change of other performance variables, parameters, orcharacteristics. It is understood that the second adjustment member maybe incorporated with or otherwise part of the first adjustment memberwherein the adjustment member is capable of independent adjusting thefirst parameter and the second parameter.

In another aspect of the invention, a manufacturer may provide a golfclub retailer with three golf club types, wherein there is one golf clubhead for each golf club type. The golf club heads may include a driverhead, a fairway wood head, and a hybrid head. Additionally, themanufacturer of the golf club heads may provide each of the golf clubheads may include an adjustment member, wherein the adjustment membermay allow a user to change a parameter independently of the otherparameters or characteristics, while ensuring there is substantially nochange to certain club or club head performance variables, parameters,or characteristics, and/or specified change of other performancevariables, parameters, or characteristics. Additionally, themanufacturer may offer a pre-determined number of shafts and/or shaftflexes that may include but are not limited to: a shaft flex 420 ofsenior (A) flex, regular (R) flex, stiff (S) flex, or extra stiff (X)flex.

In another aspect of the invention, a retailer may provide for sale to auser three golf club types, wherein there is one golf club head for eachgolf club type. The golf club heads may include a driver head, a fairwaywood head, and a hybrid head. Additionally, the retailer may provideeach of the golf club heads with an adjustment member, wherein theadjustment member may allow a user to change a parameter independentlyof the other parameters or characteristics, while ensuring there issubstantially no change to certain club or club head performancevariables, parameters, or characteristics, and/or specified change ofother performance variables, parameters, or characteristics.Additionally, the retailer may offer a pre-determined number of shaftsand/or shaft flexes that may include but are not limited to: a shaftflex 420 of senior (A) flex, regular (R) flex, stiff (S) flex, or extrastiff (X) flex.

FIG. 44 illustrates another flow chart 600 for a method of providinggolf clubs to a seller of golf clubs, such as a retail seller, andprocessing an order for such golf clubs in accordance with an aspect ofthe invention. As illustrated in FIG. 44, the method may generallyinclude one or more of the following steps: 1) receiving an order for aselection of golf club heads 610; 2) receiving an order for a selectionof shafts 620; 3) correlating the order for the selection of golf clubheads with a quantity of reconfigurable/adjustable golf club heads 630;4) generating, at a processor, a file describing the selection ofreconfigurable/adjustable golf club heads and shafts 640; and 5)transmitting the file to a manufacturer for further order processing andfulfillment 650.

Regarding the step of ordering golf club heads, a retail seller, forexample, may send an order for a selection of golf club heads to amanufacturer. The order typically specifies pluralities of golf clubheads of different configurations. In one exemplary embodiment,driver-type golf club heads having different loft angles are specified.The order specifies a quantity of drivers having an 8.5 degree loftangle, a quantity of drivers having a 9.5 degree loft angle, a quantityof drivers having a 10.5 degree loft angle, a quantity of drivers havingan 11.5 degree loft angle, and a quantity of drivers having a 12.5degree loft angle. It is understood that more or less loft angleconfigurations could be specified in the order. Regarding the step ofordering shafts, the order may specify shafts that include senior (A)flex shafts, regular (R) flex shafts, stiff (S) flex shafts, or extrastiff (X) flex shafts.

The order specifying the club heads is correlated with respect to theadjustable golf club head as described herein. A total quantity isdetermined from the individual quantities of the various lofted clubheads ordered. The order is then further processed by specifying anumber of adjustable golf club heads that corresponds to the totalquantity determined. An identical number of adjustment members are alsospecified and it is understood that the adjustment members may beconsidered a part of the golf club head or a separate item of the order.A file is generated at a processor describing the selections of theorder wherein the total quantity of adjustable golf club heads havingadjustment members and shafts are specified. The file is transmitted tothe manufacturer for further order processing and fulfillment of theorder.

Thus, the seller may order a selection of golf clubs specifyingindividual lofted golf club heads. Instead of the order being filledwith the individual lofted golf club heads specified, the order isfilled with a quantity of adjustable golf club heads and adjustmentmembers. The individual lofted golf club heads may each have a uniqueSKU, while the adjustable golf club head is assigned a single, universalSKU. Because of the adjustability and structures of the golf club heads,each desired quantity of lofted golf club heads is met by setting theadjustment member accordingly. It is understood that the methodsdescribed herein are applicable to other types of club heads includingfairway woods, hybrids and irons. Thus, orders for specificconfigurations of club heads, e.g., a 3-wood, 5-wood or hybrids, can beordered and the order fulfilled with adjustable golf club heads asdescribed herein. It is further understood that the order may initiallyspecify an overall total quantity of adjustable golf club heads with theunderstanding that the club heads can be adjusted accordingly forspecific sales. Orders may also specify quantities of golf club headsspecifying other parameters such as a plurality of different faceangles. The adjustable golf club head could also be used to fulfill suchorder consistent with the description above and structures providedherein.

The method as illustrated in FIG. 44 may also include one or moremanufacturers of the components or parts of the golf club head shippingthe components or parts to an assembly location. Furthermore, the methodillustrated in FIG. 44 may also include the assembly location thenshipping the finished adjustable club heads to the retail component forfurther sales and distribution.

In the previous description of the various embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, systems, processors, and computers,which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration,various embodiments of the disclosure that may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized.

FIG. 45A illustrates one example of a network architecture that may beused to implement one or more illustrative aspects of the disclosure forthe various methods described above. Various network nodes 702, 704, and706 may be interconnected via a wide area network (WAN) 701, such as theInternet. In addition, various databases may be connected to each of thenodes such as database 707 operatively connected to node 704. Othernetworks may also or alternatively be used, including private intranets,corporate networks, LANs, wireless networks, cellular networks, personalnetworks (PAN), and the like. Network 701 is for illustration purposesand may be replaced with fewer or additional computer networks. A localarea network (LAN) may have one or more of any known LAN topologies andmay use one or more of a variety of different protocols, such asEthernet. Network nodes may also be devices that may be connected to oneor more of the networks via twisted pair wires, coaxial cable, fiberoptics, radio waves or other communication media.

The term “network” as used herein and depicted in the drawings refersnot only to systems in which remote storage devices are coupled togethervia one or more communication paths, but also to stand-alone devicesthat may be coupled, from time to time, to such systems that havestorage capability. Consequently, the term “network” includes not only a“physical network” but also a “content network,” which is comprised ofthe data—attributable to a single entity—which resides across allphysical networks.

Device or components which may be attached to nodes 702, 704 and 706include computers, servers, databases, cellular telephones, personaldigital assistants, and user computers. Cellular telephones and personaldigital assistants may be connected to WAN 701 via a cellular network(not shown). Those skilled in the art will realize that othernetwork-enabled devices, such as a mobile terminal, personal videorecorder, portable or fixed television, personal computer, digitalcamera, digital camcorder, portable audio device, portable or fixedanalog or digital radio, or combinations thereof may also be connectedto WAN 701 and utilized with various aspects of the disclosure.

Nodes 702, 704, and 706 may be nodes found at a retail location such asa sporting goods store. The various devices connected to nodes 702, 704,and 706 may allow for order entry by employees or customers of theretail location. In addition, nodes 702, 704, and 706 may allow storeemployees to order additional inventory or merchandise frommanufacturers.

Nodes 712, 714, and 716 may represent nodes of an order processingcenter or location. The ordering processing center may receive ordersfrom the numerous retails locations and process such orders in bulk forvarious retail chains or stores. Device or components which may beattached to nodes 712, 714, and 716 may include computers, servers, ordatabases. These devices may combine orders for similar merchandisetogether and communicate with various manufactures via network 718 forthe delivery of the merchandise. Additionally, custom products may beprocessed at the order processing center and forwarded directly to aparticular manufacturer for order fulfillment. FIG. 45A illustrates onemanufacturer location but those skilled in the art will realize thatnumerous manufacturer locations may be connected to the order processingcenter via network 718. As illustrated in FIG. 45A, each manufacturerlocation may include numerous nodes such as nodes 720, 722, and 724having various computing devices attached including computers, servers,and databases.

FIG. 45B is illustrative of various components that may be found in thecomputers, servers and/or databases of the devices connected to theretail locations nodes, order processing center nodes and/ormanufacturer location nodes. For example, a server connected to orderprocess center node 712 may include a processor 802 for controllingoverall operation of the order processing server. The order processingserver may further include memory 804, a network interface 806, andinput/output interfaces 808 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, display, printer,etc.). Input/output interfaces 808 may include a variety of interfaceunits and drives for reading, writing, displaying, and/or printing dataor files. Memory 804 may further include operating system software 810for controlling overall operation of the order processing server andother application software 812 providing secondary support, and/or otherfunctionality which may or may not be used in conjunction with aspectsof the present disclosure.

One or more aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in computer-usableor readable data and/or computer-executable instructions, such as in oneor more program modules, executed by one or more computers or otherdevices as described herein. Generally, program modules includeroutines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data typeswhen executed by a processor in a computer or other device. The modulesmay be written in a source code programming language that issubsequently compiled for execution, or may be written in a scriptinglanguage such as (but not limited to) HTML or XML. The computerexecutable instructions may be stored on a computer readable medium suchas a hard disk, optical disk, removable storage media, solid statememory, RAM, etc. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, thefunctionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed asdesired in various embodiments.

The steps described previously may be implemented by one or more of thecomponents in FIGS. 45A and 45B and/or other components, including othercomputing devices.

Further aspects of the invention relate to marketing, selling,manufacturing, or utilizing one or more components of the golf club as akit. The kit, including at least an adjustment member, may be associatedwith instructions for constructing a golf club by choosing between oneor more heads, and one or more shafts, and one or more adjustmentmembers. Furthermore, the shaft, club head, and/or the adjustmentmembers may be constructed as to allow adjustment of the angle orposition of the shaft with respect to the club head (e.g., with respectto its ball striking face), thereby allowing for the adjustment of aloft angle (or any other parameter) while other specified parametersremain substantially constant over a specified range of 3 or more lofts.The loft angle may be adjusted by rotating, translating, or replacinggolf club components. The loft angle may be adjusted by rotating golfclub components about an axis that is oriented at least 45 degrees froma horizontal plane with the club head or club oriented in a referenceposition. Instructions for performing the adjustments and/or informationdetailing the characteristics of the club in relation to the adjustmentsmay also be provided as part of one or more kits in accordance withembodiments of the invention. The selection of individual componentsavailable for each kit may enable an end user to select one shaft andone model of club head from a selection of “n” number of shafts and “x”number of models of club heads whereby the user would have at least3*n*x different club configurations available, where the only differencebetween each configuration is loft angle, shaft type, and head type,while all other club and/or club head variables remain substantiallyunchanged in accordance with the principles taught above.

Benefits

Embodiments of this invention present many benefits to the golf industryand the different participants in the golf industry. Golf manufacturersas well as golf distributors and retail sellers of golf equipment willrealize the many benefits described herein. In addition, golfers willexperience benefits not previously provided by current golf equipment,systems and methods. It is understood that certain benefits will beexperienced by participants across the golf industry while certainbenefits may be specific to the certain participants in the golfindustry.

First, manufacturers, distributors, and/or retailers of golf clubs willsee enhanced inventory management and control with embodiments of thisinvention. As discussed above, embodiments of the invention describe agolf club wherein the golf club has an adjustable reference parameter,such as loft angle, that can be adjusted over an adjustment rangewithout changing any other specified parameters of the golf club.Because of such properties of the golf club head, for example,manufacturers, distributors, and/or retailers may maintain an inventoryof just one golf club head of the present invention capable of adjustingthe loft angle as compared with needing multiple (as many as 5 or more)conventional golf club heads with individually different, designed-inloft angles. This reduction in inventory will drastically improve andenhance the inventory management and control systems with less inventoryon hand, reduced storage space requirements, and a significant reductionin overhead costs associated with inventory management. Because only onegolf club head may be required and capable of replacing multipleconventional golf club heads, the inventory management and controlsystems will be enhanced and improved for golf club manufacturers,distributors, and retailers.

Tied to the benefit of enhancing inventory management and controlsystem, embodiments of this invention will also help to reduce thenumber of stock-keeping units, or SKUs. By having the need for only onegolf club head with an adjustable loft angle, wherein no othercharacteristics or parameters of the golf club head are changed, thenumber of SKUs for golf club heads will be greatly decreased. Forexample, when using conventional golf club heads, there is a need forgolf club heads with multiple loft angles, such as 8.5 degree loft, 9.5degree loft, 10.5 degree loft, 11.5 degree loft, and 12.5 degree loft.Each club head with a different designed-in loft angle value willtypically be assigned a different SKU. Conventional golf club headmanufacturers, distributors, and/or retailers may need five differentgolf club heads for loft angle, while golf club head manufacturers,distributors, and/or retailers utilizing the embodiments of thisinvention may only need one golf club head with an adjustable loftangle. Utilizing a golf club head with an adjustable loft angle as isdescribed in embodiments of the current invention may reduce the numberof SKUs by approximately or at least five times. Reducing the number ofSKUs due to the reduction of individual, distinct golf club heads allowsfor more efficient management of inventory.

Additionally, golf club manufacturers utilizing embodiments of thisinvention will realize the benefit of cost savings on club head tooling.With embodiments of this invention, golf club manufacturers no longerneed separate tools for each lofted club, for example, an 8.5 degreeclub head tool, 9.5 degree club head tool, 10.5 degree club head etc.Utilizing a golf club head according to embodiments of this invention,one tool is only required for a base reference club head. For example,the golf club manufacturer may only need one tool for a 10.5 degree clubhead such as if the 10.5 degree loft was selected as a base or referenceloft club. Using the golf club head having the reference loft and theadjustment member provides the other necessary lofted clubs for a fullclub selection of the various configurations while eliminating the needfor tools for such other lofted clubs.

Embodiments of the present invention further enhance several aspects ofthe overall manufacturer research and design process. For example, golfclub designers have a reduced number of individual golf club heads toseparately design. For example, a single adjustable golf club head canbe designed having a reference loft. Similarly for other types of clubs,a single adjustable golf club head fairway wood can be designed having areference loft as well as a single adjustable golf club head hybrid canbe designed having a reference loft. Design efforts can be more focusedon the reduced number of golf club heads, e.g., a single driver, asingle fairway wood and a single hybrid. This also requires a reducedamount of computer-aided design time from designers, which provides costsavings. As discussed, this also requires a reduced number of toolswherein machining time is reduced providing further cost savings.

As discussed, embodiments of the present invention provide for a singleadjustable golf club head to replace a plurality of golf club headshaving individually designed-in configurations, such as a plurality ofclub heads having different designed-in loft angles. Such featuresprovides for various other benefits. For example, golf clubmanufacturers can more easily offer a full selection of left-handed golfclubs. Because of reduced demand for left-handed golf clubs, selectionis typically limited. With the present invention, a full selection ofleft-handed golf clubs, including drivers fairway woods and hybrids, allhaving the various configurations, can now be offered. As discussed, theprinciples of the present invention also apply to golf club irons.Designing and providing full sets of golf club irons can now becompleted with a reduced number of golf club iron heads. In addition,designing full golf club sets, e.g. woods and irons, becomes easier as areduced number of individual head designs is required.

These features further lead to greater efficiencies in the sales processbetween golf club manufacturers and sellers of golf club equipment.Orders no longer require specific quantities of all the different golfclub heads having the various individual designed-in configurations suchas various different loft angles. Instead, a single adjustable golf clubhead at a certain quantity can be ordered that will cover all of thevarious different configurations. This also allows the golf clubmanufacturer to better forecast orders from customers.

Golf club manufacturers also provide golf club samples and relatedequipment for various types of golf club fittings for golfers. Mobileequipment vehicles often are used to fit tour professionals withcustom-fitted golf clubs. Such vehicles can now be equipped with reducedamounts of equipment while providing the same amount of selection. Inaddition, “demo golf bags” having golf club samples are often providedto retailers for use in selling product to consumers. The demo golf bagscan also be provided with a reduced amount of sample clubs while notsacrificing club selection.

Golf distributors and/or retailers of golf equipment also experiencemany benefits from the various embodiments of the present invention. Asdiscussed with respect to golf manufacturers, retailers can also manageinventory more efficiently because multiple golf club heads are replacedwith a reduced number of golf club heads capable of being adjusted asdescribed herein. Retailers also experience a reduction of SKUs in theirrespective systems. This can also lead to less errors in shipping thecorrect models, types, configurations and overall quantities of the golfclubs. Furthermore, the ordering process becomes easier as there arelesser numbers of individual, distinct club heads that need to be partof an order and deciding the quantity for each club head be orderedbecomes easier. A larger quantity of a single club head can be orderedas the club head can be adjusted to meet the different configurationsfor the various different types of clubs such as drivers, fairway woods,hybrids, irons and putters. This also leads to the benefit that theretailer has a reduced chance of running out of inventory for variousclub configurations as the single adjustable club head can fulfill thevarious configurations. As a result, there is a reduced chance of havingsignificant amounts of inventory left over after a main sales season.Such leftover inventory is typically sold as clearance items atsignificantly reduced prices.

Retailers may also offer custom golf club fitting services. Moreflexibility is achieved by fitters using the various embodiments of thepresent invention. Because different types of club heads all can beadjustable, fittings can be more finely tuned to the particular golfer.Gap fitting is one particular area that can be improved using theprinciples of the present invention. If a golfer is seeking to replacelow iron clubs (e.g., 1-4 irons), an adjustable fairway wood oradjustable hybrid as described herein can be selected based on how farthe golfer hits the particular club. The golfer can hit the type of clubat various lofts to fine tune or dial-in the particular distancedesired.

Retailers also have various product displays at their locations forcustomers to peruse in making purchasing decisions. As described herein,because multiple golf club heads are capable of being replaced by asingle golf club head, product displays are less cluttered and morevisually appealing to consumers. Such displays require a smallerfootprint allowing retailers to use their typically limited floor spacefor additional products from manufacturers.

Additionally, users of the golf club and golf club head in accordancewith embodiments of this invention may find the added benefit ofenhanced club head adjustment. For example, with a conventional golfclub and golf club head, a user may purchase a 10.5 degree loft clubwith no other possibilities for changing the loft of the golf club,except for purchasing another golf club with a different loft angle.With a golf club with an adjustable loft angle, the user may be able tochange the loft of the golf club after the user purchases the club head,allowing the user the ability to have enhanced club head adjustment. Theability to further independently adjust a second parameter such as faceangle or lie angle further enhances user experience and inventorymanagement. Such systems provide instant gratification to golfers asadjustments are easily made. Golfers also benefit from golf clubfittings that can be more finely tuned for each individual golfer. Theperformance of the golf club head in any setting or configuration willnot be compromised or negatively affected as a result of the aboveestablished consistency in performance or specified parameters.

Further, embodiments of the golf club system of the present inventionprovide a more focused and easier environment for golfers in making agolf club selection. A single base golf club head and adjustment memberare initially selected while then selecting a particular shaft and gripthat best suits the game of the particular golfer. Golfers need notexperience any hesitation in selecting a particular lofted club sinceadjustments can easily be made without affecting other performanceparameters of the golf club head.

CONCLUSION

While the invention has been described in detail in terms of specificexamples including presently preferred modes of carrying out theinvention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there arenumerous variations and permutations of the above described systems andmethods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construedbroadly as set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of reducing the number of stock-keeping units in agolf club head inventory, the method comprising the steps of: (a)maintaining with a processor a collection of a first plurality ofstock-keeping units respectively corresponding to a first plurality ofgolf club heads in the golf club head inventory, each golf club headhaving a first distinct configuration value; (b) providing a replacementgolf club head having an adjustment member operably associated therewithand capable of adjusting the golf club head among the respective firstdistinct configuration values of the first plurality of golf club heads;(c) updating the database with a processor to eliminate the firstplurality of stock-keeping units corresponding to the plurality of golfclub heads of the inventory, and replacing the first plurality ofstock-keeping units with a universal stock-keeping unit corresponding tothe replacement golf club head.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thegolf club head inventory is managed by a manufacturer of golf clubheads.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein (a) is at a manufacturer of golfclub heads.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein (c) is at a manufacturer ofgolf club heads.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the golf club headinventory is managed by a seller of golf club heads.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein (a) is at a seller of golf club heads.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein (c) is at a seller of golf club heads.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the replacement golf club head is designed andmanufactured by manufacturer of golf club heads.
 9. The method of claim1 wherein the replacement golf club head is provided by a manufacturer.10. The method of claim 1 further comprising maintaining a collection ofa second plurality of stock-keeping units respectively corresponding toa second plurality of golf club heads in the golf club head inventory,each second golf club head having a second distinct configuration value,the adjustment member capable of adjusting the replacement golf clubhead among the respective second distinct configuration values of theplurality of golf club heads; and updating the database to eliminate thesecond plurality of stock-keeping units corresponding to the secondplurality of golf club heads of the inventory, and replacing the secondplurality of stock-keeping units with the universal stock-keeping unitcorresponding to the replacement golf club head.
 11. The method of claim1 wherein the adjustment member is operably connected to a hosel of thegolf club head.
 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofproviding a shaft having a grip thereon and engaging the shaft with thegolf club head.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the shaft is providedfrom one of a senior flex shaft, a regular flex shaft, a stiff flexshaft and an extra stiff flex shaft.
 14. A method of reducing the numberof stock-keeping units in a golf club head inventory managed by a sellerof golf club heads, the method comprising: providing at the golf clubseller location, a first plurality of SKUs corresponding to a pluralityof golf club heads, each golf club head having a distinct loft angleconfiguration; providing a golf club head, the golf club head having abase loft angle, the golf club head having an adjustment member operablyassociated therewith, the adjustment member capable of adjusting thegolf club head to a +1 degree loft angle from the base loft angle andalso capable of adjusting the golf head to a −1 degree loft angle fromthe base loft angle; at the golf club seller location, eliminating witha processor the first plurality of SKUs corresponding to the pluralityof golf club heads from the inventory from the database; and replacingthe first plurality of SKUs with a single SKU corresponding to theprovided golf club head.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:providing at the golf club seller location, a second plurality of SKUscorresponding to a second plurality of golf club heads, each golf clubhead having a distinct face angle configuration; wherein the providedgolf club head has a base face angle, and wherein the adjustment memberis capable of adjusting the provided golf club head to a closed faceangle with respect to the base face angle and is also capable ofadjusting the provided golf club head to an open face angle with respectto the base face angle; at the golf club seller location, eliminatingthe second plurality of SKUs corresponding to the second plurality ofgolf club heads from the inventory; and replacing the second pluralityof SKUs with the single SKU corresponding to the provided golf clubhead.
 16. A method of processing an order for plurality of golf clubscomprising the steps of: receiving an order for a selection of golf clubheads; receiving an order for a selection of shafts; correlating, at aprocessor, the order for the selection of golf club heads with aquantity of adjustable golf club heads; generating, at a processor, afile describing the selection of adjustable golf club heads and shafts;and transmitting the file to a manufacturer for further order processingand fulfillment.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the order for aselection of golf club heads specifies a plurality of quantities of golfclub heads having different loft angles.
 18. The method of claim 16,wherein the plurality of quantities of golf club heads includes aquantity of golf club heads having an 8.5 degree loft angle, a quantityof golf club heads having a 9.5 degree loft angle, a quantity of golfclub heads having a 10.5 degree loft angle, a quantity of golf clubheads having an 11.5 degree loft angle, and a quantity of golf clubheads having a 12.5 degree loft angle.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the step of correlating includes determining a cumulativequantity of golf club heads from the order of the plurality ofquantities of golf club heads and wherein the quantity of adjustablegolf club heads corresponds to the cumulative quantity of golf clubheads.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of correlatingincludes determining a cumulative quantity of golf club heads from theorder of the selection of golf club heads and wherein the quantity ofadjustable golf club heads corresponds to the cumulative quantity ofgolf club heads.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the order for theselection of shafts includes one or more of senior flex shafts, regularflex shafts, stiff flex shafts and extra stiff shafts.
 22. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the ordered golf club head is one of a driver typegolf club head, a fairway wood type golf club head, and a hybrid typegolf club head and the adjustable club head is one of a correspondingadjustable driver type golf club head, adjustable fairway wood type golfclub head, and an adjustable hybrid type golf club head.
 23. A method ofprocessing an order for a plurality of golf club heads, the methodcomprising the steps of: (a) receiving an order for a plurality of golfclub heads, each golf club head being assigned a respective first stockkeeping unit; (b) at a processor, associating a universal stock keepingunit with the first stock keeping units, the universal stock keepingunit assigned to a golf club head having an adjustment member operablyassociated therewith; and (c) filling the order with the golf club headassigned to the universal stock keeping unit.
 24. A method of providinga line of golf clubs to a consumer, the line comprising at least onemodel of a first club type, the method comprising the steps of:designing a head for the first club type, wherein the head has areference loft angle; providing an adjustable member; fitting theadjustable member to the head, wherein the adjustable member permitsindividual adjustment of at least one parameter such that the adjustablemember has at least 3 settings for that parameter, and a set ofparameters for the head are substantially unchanged within apredetermined tolerance, such that P*n*x club configurations areprovided in the line, wherein P is a number of settings for theparameter, n is a number of shaft flex options, and x is a number ofclub head types.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the line includes asecond club head type.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the lineincludes at least 3 shaft flex options.
 27. The method of claim 24,wherein the line includes a second model for the at least one club headtype.
 28. The method of claim 24, wherein P ranges from 3-9.
 29. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the at least one parameter is loft angle.30. The method of claim 24, wherein a second parameter can be adjustedthat the set of remaining parameters remains substantially unchangedwithin the predetermined tolerance.
 31. The method of claim 30, whereinthe second parameter is face angle.
 32. The method of claim 30, whereinthe second parameter is lie angle.
 33. The method of claim 30, whereinthe second parameter has 3 settings.
 34. The method of claim 24, whereinthe adjustment member is rotated between settings.
 35. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the axis of rotation of the adjustment member is atleast 45 degrees from a horizontal plane.
 36. The method of claim 27,wherein the first model has a first reference face angle, and the secondmodel has second reference face angle that is different from the firstreference face angle.
 37. The method of claim 27, wherein the secondmodel has volume that is different from the first model.
 38. The methodof claim 24, wherein the first club head type is a driver.
 39. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the second club head type is one of afairway wood and a hybrid.